Thousands of people are expected to take to the streets across East Sussex in the coming weeks as the entire county is transformed into a giant walking and cycling game.
Running from Wednesday 7th June to Wednesday 26th July, ‘Beat the Street’, a free initiative that aims to get people moving and improve their health, will be installing a number of ‘Beat Boxes’ in Hailsham, from which people can earn points and win prizes by tapping special cards onto lamppost-mounted sensors.
The ‘Beat Boxes’, which will be installed in Hailsham and across East Sussex, will be activated on 7th June for a seven-week period. Participants will be required to use a card which they tap onto the Beat Boxes as they walk or cycle around town, earning points for themselves and their team.
Beat the Street is funded by ESCC Public Health, NHS Hastings and Rother CCG and NHS Eastbourne, Hailsham and Seaford. The initiative forms part of a comprehensive programme of activity to improve health through the Personal and Community Resilience work stream of the East Sussex Better Together (ESBT) programme and as part of the Connecting 4 You (C4Y) scheme in the west of the county.
Encouraging people to register to take part in the game, Town Mayor Councillor Nigel Coltman said: “Beat the Street is a scheme rich in health benefits and is ideal for individuals, workplaces, school, community groups and families alike. People of all ages and abilities of fitness are invited to take part and the initiative will bring everyone together with one common aim in mind, to keep moving and become as active as possible.”
Cynthia Lyons, East Sussex Acting Director of Public Health said: “We are incredibly excited to be bringing Beat the Street to East Sussex and can’t wait to see how far everyone is able to walk, run, cycle and scoot during the seven-week challenge. Watch out for Beat Boxes appearing on a street near you!”
Dr Martin Writer, chairman of the NHS Eastbourne, Hailsham and Seaford CCG said: “For many people, becoming more active could be the best medicine they can take! Being more physically active makes people feel better, more energetic and improves mood. It can also help to lower the risk of serious illnesses like heart disease and type 2 diabetes.”
People can register to play and view their progress online at www.beatthestreet.me/eastsussex.
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Terry Hall, Communications Officer
Hailsham Town Council, Market Street, Hailsham, East Sussex, BN27 2AE
Telephone: 01323 841702 | Email: terry.hall@hailsham-tc.gov.uk