Blackpool mum becomes face of Government campaign to get families moving
A Blackpool mum has become one of the faces of a new Government campaign encouraging families to get active together.
Kerenza and her 10-year-old son are starring in a series of radio adverts as part of the national Let’s Move! drive, which is currently being piloted in Lancashire.
The campaign aims to help parents build movement into everyday routines after research found fewer than half of children achieve the recommended 60 minutes of physical activity a day - and only 14 per cent of parents are aware of the guideline.
For Kerenza, getting outdoors is about more than exercise.
“Raising my son alone, I had to find ways to bring happiness into our lives that didn’t involve spending money,” she said.
“Even for my own mental wellbeing and sanity, I looked for what was readily available to us, like the park, kicking a football on the field, walks and hikes. Movement became a foundation for us.
“In the chaos of life I can always feel the tension building if we don’t make time in the week to go outside and spend some time together. It brings us back together and helps reconnect us as a family.
“It doesn’t have to cost money to add this valuable element into our lives.”
The campaign is backed by The Body Coach Joe Wicks, who has created Activate, a free animated physical activity series for children, and forms part of a wider Government push to tackle inactivity.
Sports Minister Stephanie Peacock said encouraging a more active nation was a key priority, adding that £400m is being invested in grassroots sports facilities over the next four years.
Locally, families can take part in activities including junior parkrun events in Anchorsholme and other nearby areas, scenic walks with the Canal & River Trust, and ParkPlay sessions in parts of Lancashire.
Councillor Jo Farrell, Blackpool Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Wellbeing, said the campaign was a “fantastic opportunity” for the town.
She added: “By creating more welcoming, inclusive ways for families to be active together, we’re helping to build healthier habits, stronger connections, and a brighter future for our community.”
The Let’s Move! campaign launched in November and is being piloted in Lancashire alongside Bradford, Essex and Sandwell, areas where inactivity levels are higher than average.
Families can find ideas and local activities by visiting the Let’s Move! website.