Join us getting fit and healthy over the summer – for free

Whatever the circumstances, it is great that action is being taken to help us all live better and longer.

I was quite tickled over the weekend by the junk food millionaires who are aghast that their ads could be banned from television. They claim it is an unnecessary move because such adverts have minimal impact on sales. In which case, any reasonably minded person might say, surely there is no need for them to complain at all?

Today The Star has teamed up with Voluntary Action Sheffield for a very special supplement which aims to get more families thinking about their health. It is being given away free to thousands of children in the city to get them focused on their lifestyles, moving more and eating things that are good for them.

VAS does some incredible work supporting charities and community groups in every area of Sheffield. It is one of the few large organisations which knows just what each neighbourhood needs – because it has volunteers everywhere. It has led many summer initiatives in the past but this year’s is the most challenging of all yet also the most important. It is also the biggest.

Lockdown has stopped so much and the existing restrictions still make it difficult to reach those most in need. However, this wonderful band of determined volunteers is ploughing on, knowing that their work means more now than ever.

Give some of the challenges in today’s supplement a go yourself. They are fun, free and great to try as a family this summer.

Ultimately, we are all responsible for our own health and wellbeing but if we have learnt anything in recent months it is that we achieve more together. Supporting, encouraging and educating our communities from within our communities is definitely the best way forward.