TEDDINGTON parish churches are launching a pioneering programme of community sport with fitness, martial arts and dance classes all planned.

The scheme called 'Activate Church' is led by the Rev. Chris Kennedy, who was appointed the parish's Pioneer Sports and Wellbeing Minister in 2020.

Chris already leads a running club and chair-based exercise sessions from St Peter and Paul's Church as part of Activate - and the programme, which aims to boost wellbeing and enhance faith among its participants, is set to expand further this May.

At least two more fitness and worship classes will be launched including a Sunday afternoon Sporty Church, based at St Mark's Teddington.

The session will involve 30 minutes of exercise, 30 minutes of worship and 30 minutes of refreshments and is open to all ages and abilities but with a particular focus on young people.

Also launching in May will be a Friday evening Youth Café featuring 'Mindful Ninja' - an activity programme that combines martial arts and mindfulness.

This part of the scheme will build on the work that Activate has already been doing with disadvantaged young people from local schools.

Street-dance classes are also planned and the Church is aiming to raise £3,000 to fund this.

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The money will fund a teacher from a Christian background to teach the sessions at St Mark's church, and also go towards equipment, lighting and venue hire.

It's hoped that the classes will attract young people, particularly young women who are in need of positive activities to boost wellbeing.

Rev. Kennedy said: "A positive body image and peer support encouragement is invaluable in helping young people grow and street dance imbues both these facets whilst being fun and welcoming of all talents.

"The evolution of social media platforms like TikTok has allowed dance to be enjoyed as a positive outlet that has captured young people's energy and creativity.

"Activate seeks to harness that and shape a community where that energy and creativity can be developed in a manner that is fun, relevant, community building and leads to questions of faith."

He added: "We want to help you and your community get healthier and fitter holistically.

"Keep an eye on our social media for up and coming challenges, that you can get involved in."

All donations to Activate's Lent Appeal in March and April will go towards the new dance classes - find out more and donate at www.activatechurch.org.uk/

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