BACK ONSIDE IS BACK!

THE 'Back Onside' health and wellbeing programmes - in conjunction with the Bradford Bulls Foundation - are back next week!

Delivered successfully in 2018 and 2019 in partnership with Rugby League Cares, the Foundation has gained support from West Yorkshire and Harrogate Health and Care Partnership to bring the programme back to Bradford at a time when everyone’s health and wellbeing is of paramount concern.

For many of us it’s been difficult to maintain a healthy lifestyle during the Covid months, particularly the unemployed, those constantly working from home or restrictions meaning we’re just not getting out and about as much as we would normally.  Back Onside can help to get you back on track.

Previously a men-only activity, Back Onside is now aimed at men and women aged 35-64, however it is open to all age groups and fitness levels and is free to join.  All sessions will be run in line with national guidance as lockdown restrictions ease.

With support from Bradford Bulls Strength & Conditioning staff and delivered by the Foundation's team of qualified coaches, participants will be involved in 10 weekly fixtures lasting up to 60 minutes each that focus on multi-sports activities, including rugby and football, as well as team-building exercises and circuit training. Men’s and women’s sessions will be held separately.

Before the start of the 10 weeks there will be the option of taking part in a short fitness and wellbeing assessment courtesy of our friends at the University of Bradford’s Digital Health Enterprise Zone. This will be repeated at the end of the programme, enabling participants to track their progress and establish a plan going forward.

Participants will be given tools and techniques to help build a positive mindset towards exercise, while having fun in a relaxed atmosphere and help all involved achieve their fitness goals, whatever they may be.

They will also be supported in their goals with out of session resources that supplement each of the ‘fixtures’ and help continue their progress.

During and after the 10 weeks, everyone on the programme will be invited onto other established programmes within the Foundation; these offer a whole range of options including the Offload mental fitness support groups, tag rugby and masters rugby sessions to help everyone involved achieve the goal of feeling happier and healthier, and the opportunity to stay engaged.

For those people who are unemployed, access will also be given to the Foundation's ‘Employability Hub’ IT suite where resources and tools, donated by the Foundation’s partners, will support their search for work or training.

Paul Mitchell, Head of Foundation, said: “Back Onside was such a success last time round we felt it was really important to bring it back at a time when we’re not all necessarily at our peak, physically or mentally.

“It will provide a fun, sociable environment to help people get back on track and will perfectly complement our mental support programme, Offload.

“A big thank you to West Yorkshire and Harrogate Health and Care Partnership. Without their fantastic support we wouldn’t have been able to make this a free programme.

“Also, a special mention for the staff and students at the University of Bradford who are providing the assessment and tracking element of the programme. It’s great to work on a local partnership with such an enthusiastic team.”

Naomi Holdsworth, service manager for Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We know from our MyWellbeing College service that more people are struggling with their mental health because of the pandemic and the knock-on effect across lots of areas.  We also know that any type of exercise can a have a really positive impact on both mental and physical wellbeing, and the Back Onside programme is a great opportunity to do this, with support.”

To book your place on Back Onside, click here.

All Government Covid guidelines will be adhered to, including temperature checks and hand sanitisation on arrival, and sanitisation of equipment.