Islanders are being encouraged to make the most of a free smart watch loan scheme this summer, with the initiative designed to help residents become more active and improve their physical and mental wellbeing.
Launched by the Isle of Wight Council’s Public Health team in February, the Physical Activity Smart Watch Loan Scheme allows library members to borrow an Amazfit Bip 6 smart watch free of charge for up to 6 weeks.
The scheme is available to anyone aged 16 or over, with those who are not already library members able to sign up by visiting a participating library and presenting photo identification.
The lightweight, waterproof watches include features such as step counting, sleep tracking, activity monitoring and wellbeing insights, helping users set achievable goals and monitor their progress.
With the summer holidays underway, the council is encouraging residents to build more movement into their daily routines, whether through walking, cycling, gardening or other everyday activities.
Kate Harvey, Director of Public Health, has said:
“We’re delighted to see how well the scheme has been received so far. Supporting residents to move more is key to improving health and reducing inequalities across the Island.
“The warmer months are a wonderful opportunity for more people to take advantage of this free scheme, enjoy our beautiful surroundings and feel the physical, mental and social benefits of being active.”
Article continues below this advertisement
Smart watches are available to borrow from Lord Louis Library in Newport, as well as libraries in Cowes, Ventnor, Sandown, Ryde and Freshwater.
Councillor Michael Lilley, Vice-Chair of the Isle of Wight Council’s Adult Social Care, Public Health and Housing Needs Committee and the authority’s Mental Health Champion, has said:
“This is great news, and I do encourage and recommend Island residents to take this offer up.
“We all need to keep fit as we know if you are physically fit and active, your mental wellbeing improves. I am coming into my 70th year shortly and live by the philosophy that a healthy body leads to a healthy mind.
“I will be popping into Ryde Library to take advantage of the smart watch programme and promote it to Ryde residents. I encourage others to do the same.”
Further information about the Smart Watch Loan Scheme is available on the Isle of Wight Council’s website.
