City residents are being given the chance to make lifelong changes to their health and wellbeing as part of the Trent Bridge Community Trust’s latest initiative.

The Weight Management Project, funded by Nottingham City Council, aims to equip individuals with the tools to enjoy a healthier and more active lifestyle via a 12-week programme of education and exercise.

Weekly sessions will include workshops and periods of physical activity, and will be helmed by project lead Callum Pharoah.

Book your free places here:

• Southglade Leisure Centre, Bestwood: Wednesdays from 22 March

• Harvey Hadden Sports Village: Thursdays from 23 March

• Clifton Leisure Centre: Fridays from 24 March

“The Weight Management Programme is not a dieting scheme: it’s a way to try and inspire long-term change,” he said.

“We want to find physical activity that works for people, and help them to understand what nutritional changes can benefit them long after they’ve finished their sessions with us.

“We’re not expecting people to be robots, but if they can find a form of activity that they enjoy, and if they’re well-informed about how different foods and drinks can affect them, then hopefully they’ll be equipped to make better choices.”

The inception of the project represents something of a full-circle moment for Callum, whose first involvement with the Trust came as a service user of the flagship Positive Futures programme for young people at risk of social exclusion.

Having since been a Positive Futures peer mentor before pursuing a career in the fitness industry, Callum now returns to the Trust as a full-time member of staff, orchestrating activities which will be tailored to the needs and abilities of those who attend.

“We want to make sure we break down the barriers that might stop people from getting involved with a programme like this,” he said.

“On the physical side, we’ll put on activities that are appropriate for the skills of those who join us – whether that’s a high-impact sport like squash or something of lower intensity like boccia.

“We know that there are some groups of people who are typically less likely to seek help too – whether that’s people with mental health difficulties, those with South Asian and Afro-Caribbean backgrounds or just men in general – so we’ll work hard to make sure our sessions are culturally appropriate.

“We’ll place a big focus on mental health too – it’s not just about losing weight, it’s about helping people progress with their wellbeing in general.”

Bookings are now being taken for our first run of 12-week courses:

• Southglade Leisure Centre, Bestwood: Wednesdays from 22 March

• Harvey Hadden Sports Village: Thursdays from 23 March

• Clifton Leisure Centre: Fridays from 24 March