The grant was awarded under the Lottery's multi-million pound Community Sport initiative, which has ensured that some of Northern Ireland's most inactive people have taken part in physical activity over the past few years.

According to evaluation published by the Big Lottery Fund nearly half of all people who got involved in the Community Sport initiative had done no physical exercise before taking part in the activities.

The evaluation also revealed that as well as increasing physical activity, many of the projects reported wider social benefits, including increased confidence and self-esteem of the people who took part.

"It has changed my life," said Denise. "I used to get very little exercise. By the time I'd finished work, made the tea, got my daughters' homework out of the way I didn't feel like getting into the car and driving 10 miles to the nearest gym."
However, the funding meant the Community Association was able to run sessions and train future coaches in its premises in the heart of the community.

"The venue was literally two minutes drive from my house and I thought, well this is on my doorstep so I'd be silly not to give it a go," continued Denise, who took part in aerobics, spin cycling, yoga and boxercise, to name but a few activities.

"It had a real impact and I realised how much I enjoyed it. The result is I've now joined a gym, which would never ever have happened if it hadn't been for Freedom of Fitness. Although the project has ended, I've carried on with the healthier lifestyle it taught me about."

Orlaith Quinn of the Community Association echoed Denise's enthusiasm, explained: "We had everyone from six-week-old babies to 90-year-old pensioners taking part and that's why this was such a great programme because it reached so many people – young and old and people with disabilities too. It really was open to everyone."

The funding was used towards room hire, training, equipment and transport so the 800 or so people who took part in the course of the 12-month programme could sample activities including yoga, arm chair aerobics, kick-boxing and badminton.

"We had a great response after a really big promotional campaign when we had leaflet drops in the areas and also partnered up with other local organisations to put the word out there that this scheme was running," Orlaith continued.

"This is the third most deprived area in Northern Ireland in terms of services, which is why the transport element of the funding was so crucial to actually get people to the facilities."

In terms of the impact of the programme though, it's the baby yoga that stands out for her. "This attracted a number of young mums who'd maybe moved to the area with their partners, didn't know many people and felt quite isolated because they were at home with a young baby," she said.
"This class brought them together and we noticed friendships forming. The next thing, we'd see a group of the mums organising to come to the kick-boxing together – and those are friendships and contacts that can be maintained."

As well as that, the training has enabled some of the exercise classes to carry on too. "We have volunteers now trained in armchair aerobics and spinning – we were also able to buy some spin cycles so we can continue with these classes," added Orlaith.

Breidge Gadd, Big Lottery Fund NI Chair concluded: "The Community Sport programme has made a significant difference to the health and well-being of many people across Northern Ireland.

"This programme adopted an innovative and holistic view of active lifestyles and has stimulated new and creative approaches to increasing the quality of life of people living in the most disadvantaged communities."