New cartoon campaign to tackle low fitness levels in Dumfries and Galloway
DG Domore will begin popping up across the area, encouraging residents to get involved in community activities like cycling, running and dance groups.
A cartoon character is at the forefront of a major push against inactivity in Dumfries and Galloway.
DG Domore is the face of the new physical activity strategy, aiming to get people “more active, more often.”
He will begin appearing on posters across the region – helping to point people towards simple, local ways to be more active.
This comes after figures show that more than a third of adults in the region and around half of school-age children are not active enough to meet national guidelines.
Health officials warn that inactivity and low fitness levels can increase the risk of serious illness and injury.
The strategy has been developed by a multi-agency partnership, working with national experts, and supports the Scottish Government’s wider efforts to improve population health.
A key part of the strategy is the Active Lives Pathway, which offers people with or at risk of health conditions access to free, supported physical activity to help them recover and build confidence.
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Councillor Tracey Little, Chair of Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Education, Skills and Community Wellbeing Committee, said: “DG Domore offers a positive and engaging way to connect people with opportunities in their communities, and to encourage lifelong healthy habits that support both physical and mental wellbeing.”
Valerie White, Director of Public Health, said: “Having a strong, visible identity like DG Domore means people are more likely to notice what’s on offer and feel encouraged to take part.”
A Physical Activity Forum has been created, calling for those with a local role in physical activity to get involved.
Anybody who is involved in the delivery of physical activity locally – whether that’s sport, movement, walking groups, dancing groups – is being encouraged to join the forum, hear about the strategy, and help in delivering its objectives.
To join the Physical Activity Forum, click here.
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