A passion to get people moving more inspired Barrow nurse to lead ParkPlay sessions

Laura Fieldhouse Leigh, a Paediatric Nurse at Furness General Hospital, is following her passion to improve the physical and mental health of local people by leading a new health and wellbeing initiative.

ParkPlay is held every Saturday in Barrow Park from 10am-11am, all year round. Around 120 people have taken part in the initiative so far, which offers free fun and games for people of any age and gives people the opportunity to meet, move and play together with others in their local community.

Laura has been a nurse for 19 years and also runs her own fitness company ‘Laura’s Fitness Lifestyle’ where she teaches a variety of exercise classes to adults, children and people with disabilities.

Laura, a PlayLeader for Barrow ParkPlay, said: “What I loved about the concept of ParkPlay is it includes everyone and it is all about having fun. The sessions are free and you don’t need to be competitive or have a certain fitness level. ParkPlay brings people together so they can socialise in a safe environment – Barrow Park is such a beautiful place.

“I’m passionate about getting people moving, getting them active and improving physical and mental health. The way things have been with the pandemic and lockdowns it’s so important to get people out socialising again through initiatives like ParkPlay.”

The weekly sessions are delivered by ParkPlay working in partnership with Barrow Integrated Care Community (ICC), Active Cumbria, Barrow Borough Council, Barrow Local Committee and Cumbria County Council. People can take part in a range of games and activities including dodgeball, frisbee, scavenger hunts and quick cricket.

Laura, a qualified fitness instructor, added: “I’ve enjoyed planning the sessions for larger groups of people. It’s really rewarding seeing people come along to the events who are unsure at first and as we get into the sessions their confidence grows and they are joining in and having fun.”

ParkPlay in Barrow is looking for more volunteers to support the group sessions. If you would like to volunteer you can contact Laura at leighl29@yahoo.co.uk 

The past year has demonstrated the importance of building strong, happy, active communities. ParkPlay will help by providing regular, fun, informal opportunities to be active with others. You can find out more about ParkPlay and how you can get involved at the ParkPlay website here https://park-play.com/