More than 12,500 people took part in this year’s Wiltshire’s Big Pledge, each making a commitment to make a positive difference to their health, wellbeing and community.
Wiltshire’s Big Pledge, organised by Wiltshire Council, ran for 22 weeks from 11th May until 30th September. It challenged people to get healthy, volunteer and make a positive change for themselves, their families or communities in which they live and work. This year everyone taking part had the choice to commit to any of 12 pledges which would result in either a personal or a community outcome.
Pledges ranged from taking the “sugar-swap challenge” or “eating a rainbow”, to volunteering in the community, becoming a dementia friend, or pledging to take an activity challenge.
Of the personal pledges made, getting active was the most popular followed by improving personal wellbeing. Engaging with volunteering, fundraising and becoming a dementia friend were the most popular community pledges.
People were encouraged to share their pledges and progress via social media to help encourage and support other pledgers with their efforts.
The Big Pledge Activity Challenge, which ran for eight weeks during the summer gave people of all ages the opportunity to part in a sporting challenge involving swimming, cycling, rowing and walking.
Maggie Rae, Wiltshire Council corporate director said, “Wiltshire’s Big Pledge has proven to be lots of fun with many people achieving, and in many cases exceeding, the goals they had set themselves.
“This campaign showed that if people make even the smallest of changes such as to their diet or amount of physical activity, then it can make a big difference. I would like to thank everyone for getting involved and for doing so well.”
Keith Humphries, Wiltshire Council cabinet member for public health, said, “It was heartening to see so many pledges from people looking to help and support their local community.
“Our hope now is that even though our campaign has come to an end that people still do their bit to help people who might need it. Even giving up a little bit of time each month can make such a difference.
“Thank you to everyone for getting involved and demonstrating the fantastic community spirit that Wiltshire is known for.”
Find out more about the campaign at www.wiltshire.gov.uk/bigpledge
