Islanders Encouraged To Borrow Free Smart Watches To Boost Health And Wellbeing

Island residents are being encouraged to make the most of a free smart watch loan scheme aimed at helping people become more active and develop healthier habits.

Launched earlier this year by the Isle of Wight Council's Public Health team, the initiative allows library members to borrow an Amazfit Bip 6 smart watch free of charge for up to six weeks.

Since February, the watches have been available from a number of libraries across the Island, giving residents the opportunity to track their activity levels, monitor sleep and set personal fitness goals.

The council says the summer months provide an ideal opportunity for people to build more movement into their daily routines, whether that's walking along the seafront, cycling, gardening or simply being more active day-to-day.

Kate Harvey, Director of Public Health, 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."

The watches are lightweight, waterproof and designed to be easy to use. Features include step counting, sleep tracking, activity monitoring and wellbeing insights to help users stay motivated and monitor their progress.

The scheme is available through:

• Newport's Lord Louis Library

• Cowes Library

• Ventnor Library

• Sandown Library

• Ryde Library

• Freshwater Library

Anyone aged 16 or over can take part. Those who are not already library members can sign up when they visit, provided they bring photographic identification.

Councillor Michael Lilley, the council's Mental Health Champion and vice-chair of the Adult Social Care, Public Health and Housing Needs Committee, is encouraging Islanders to get involved.

He 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 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 scheme is available on the Isle of Wight Council website.