Over the last decade it has helped thousands of people in Cannock Chase live healthier, happier lives for free.

Now Chase Fit is set to be honoured after being announced as a finalist in the national Seriously Social Awards after being shortlisted in the People Above Profit category.

The Awards have been organised by national members association, Community Leisure UK, and shine a spotlight on the role of Charitable Trusts and Social Enterprises doing social good, making positive social change and creating happier healthier communities when delivering public leisure and culture.

Chase Fit began life in 2014 to support people to improve their health by walking locally. Since then it has expanded to include cycling, gardening and running with more than 200 people attending each week, giving people the opportunity to socialise – reducing loneliness, improving mental health and getting fit at the same time.

This totally incluse and free programme is made possible thanks to the support of 26 volunteers and is delivered and managed by charity Inspiring Healthy Lifestyles (IHL).

Lisa Shephard – Wellbeing Integration Lead at IHL said: “I am so proud that Chase Fit is being recognised by Community Leisure UK in its tenth year. We have helped thousands of residents to maximise the use of their free local green landscape to benefit the health and wellbeing and in many cases their recovery journey. I give thanks to all our supporters and particularly our much cherished volunteers, who over the years have made it what it is today.

She added: “I am particularly pleased we have been shortlisted in the People Above Profit category. Putting people first, supporting their individual needs and doing social good is at the very heart of our charity.”

You can watch Chase Fit’s submission for the Awards on the Community Leisure UK website. The finals are being held at the Lowry, Manchester on Wednesday 13 November.

Neil Hutchinson, Managing Director of IHL said: “Chase Fit not only improves or contributes to managing a person’s physical fitness and mental health, but places equal importance on their social health, key to ensuring we live longer in better health. Inspiring Healthy Lifestyles has fully committed to this over the last decade, ensuring staff are dedicated to meeting the needs of the Cannock Chase community.”

Like many projects, Chase Fit had to start again from scratch following the pandemic but in the last five years alone 47,000 attendances – that’s a 229% increase on the five years pre-Covid.

Over the years Chase Fit has been supported by Cannock Chase Council, Staffordshire County Council  and health partners with funding to secure a Chase Fit  Co-ordinator.

Inspiring Healthy Lifestyles embedded this role within their charity knowing the impact the scheme was having and the success it would bring for people’s health and wellbeing. Forestry England are also vital partners,  ensuring access to their managed land to host activity. Social Prescribers and GP’s have also been key in signposting their patients, demonstrating a trust in the local offer and making a huge difference to local lives.