Public Health Dorset has launched a campaign inviting people to embrace Dorset’s great outdoor spaces and get active with friends and family this new year. Public Health Dorset is partnering with the National Trust in Dorset as well as LiveWell Dorset and Active Dorset to share ideas and inspiration for how you can get active outside this winter.

According to the NHS, being active can reduce your risk of major illnesses such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and cancer. Research shows it can also boost self-esteem, mood, sleep quality and energy, as well as reducing your risk of stress, depression, dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Spending time outside and in nature is also great for your mental wellbeing.

To help you on your way, Public Health Dorset is holding a competition to win a year’s membership or parking pass for one of Dorset’s country parks. All you need to do to be in with a chance of winning is go to livewelldorset.co.uk/join-me and sign up to a #JoinMe pledge. You can also find plenty of events, ideas and inspiration to help you kickstart your challenge.

Why not try:

• Making physical activity part of your every day life by building it into your routine, for example by walking or cycling to work, or taking a walk on your lunch break

• Taking on some new challenges, like starting Couch to 5k

• Combining spending time with friends and family with something active, like visiting one of Dorset’s fantastic country parks or National Trust properties and enjoying the outdoors with the kids.

Councillor Laura Miller, Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care and Health at Dorset Council, said:

“We can all find it difficult to motivate ourselves during the winter months, especially when its dark and cold and the festivities of December are over. We’re encouraging people to tackle those winter blues, get outdoors and be active with their family and friends. In Dorset we’re lucky to have so many fantastic outdoor spaces including Dorset Council’s country parks and these are often at their best during the winter months. Not only is being active great for your physical health, it can really help to clear your mind and relieve stress too.”

Councillor Lesley Dedman, Portfolio Holder for Adults and Health at BCP Council, said:

“Being active can help you lead a healthier and happier life as its great for both your mental and physical wellbeing. Getting active in January can seem a bit daunting after the holidays, but there’s no need to set yourself huge challenges or unachievable goals. Building physical activity into your everyday life is the best place to start, whether that’s walking the dog, cycling to work or having an active day out at the weekend. In Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole we have so many excellent outdoor spaces to enjoy, including our beaches, greenspaces and country parks, and we encourage Dorset residents and visitors to make the most of these all year round.”

Alex Brocklesby, National Trust’s Active Outdoor Project Officer for Dorset, said:

“The National Trust in Dorset are excited to support #JoinMe in January to inspire everyone to get outside and experience the best of what Dorset has to offer - whether you’re joining the free health cycle rides at Kingston Lacy, exploring Brownsea Island with the bird boats, walking the hills of West and North Dorset or enjoying a beach walk at Studland. We welcome everyone and have your nature and self-nurture fix in the great outdoors covered.”