Wokingham Borough Connect
 Considering stopping work on new 3G pitch plans
Our decision-making executive will consider plans to cease further work at this stage on a proposed 3G sports pitch at Maiden Erlegh School when it meets on Thursday 26 January.
Since last summer, when it was first agreed to consult on these proposals, our financial position has worsened and costs for this project have escalated.
If the executive report is approved, work on the proposed 3G sports pitch at Maiden Erlegh School in Earley will stop while we develop a borough-wide Playing Pitch Strategy. Part of this strategy will see us reassess the needs of Earley and Lower Earley and identify key sites suitable for future 3G sports pitch provisions in the borough.
The new strategy is set to be completed in the summer of 2023, which will replace the outdated strategy agreed in 2019.
Once this has been completed, a full evaluation of 3G pitch provision will take place looking at demand and costs associated with each proposed pitch. The strategy will create a clear plan for the future, providing evidence of where there is demand for 3G pitches.
 Competition, new classes and more at BXGFit
Prize giveaway
The BXGFit team is running a New Year's giveaway, where one lucky winner will win six one-to-one sessions, a complimentary one-month membership, premium leather boxing gloves and hand wraps.
To enter, visit BXGFit's Facebook or Instagram channels and tag three friends in the competition post. You can increase your chances of winning by sharing the post to your story and tagging more friends. The competition closes on Tuesday 31 January.
20 per cent off first month
You can get 20 per cent off your first month when you sign up to a membership package. To redeem, download or login to the free BXGFit app available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store and enter discount code JAN20 at the checkout. This offer is valid until Tuesday 31 January.
New additions
For anyone who has wanted to try boxercise with a nightclub vibe, we have got a new 'Club BOX' class. There is also a new intermediate junior boxing class.
Keep your eyes peeled for new equipment arriving soon, including a squat rack, treadmill and trap bar.
 Take part in the maternal mental health survey
Pregnancy is a major life event for any family. It can be joyful and fulfilling but also challenging. With one in four women experiencing mental health problems during pregnancy and in the first year following the birth of a child, support from maternity services can significantly impact their mental health and wellbeing.
Healthwatch has launched a national survey to gauge local experiences of maternal mental healthcare, which runs until Friday 27 January. Through the survey, Healthwatch aims to better understand what is working and what needs improving for new parents.
For instance, it wants to know whether the support you received for your mental health during pregnancy and birth met your needs. They also want to see if you had your six-week postnatal check-up and what it was like.
Healthwatch will use your feedback to help the NHS identify improvements and improve mental health support for new parents.
 Gentle walks to improve fitness and wellbeing
Are you looking to work on your fitness? Short beginner walks organised by The Ramblers' Association are being held across the borough.
All of the Wellbeing Walks are over easy terrain and at a steady pace to suit everyone. Walks are short, starting at 10 minutes and are never longer than 90 minutes.
Mobility limitations are not an issue, as routes are open to everyone and no special equipment is needed.
If you enjoy your first session, there is at least one planned walk a week, starting at the same time and place, giving you the chance to make it a regular activity.
Upcoming walks include:
 Free nutrition talk to help you achieve your goals
A free talk is being held at Wokingham Library on Saturday 4 February on nutrition for sport and exercise.
Join nutritionist Joanne Hart from 2pm to 3.30pm as she shares tips to overcome common issues that might get in the way of achieving your fitness and health goals. These include lack of energy, slow recovery, excess weight around the belly and aches and pains.
The talk is for adults of all exercise abilities. You can register by visiting our library events webpages.
 Mental health and wellbeing community alliance forum
Mind in Berkshire, run by Oxfordshire Mind wellbeing workers, is running a series of free, virtual mental health sessions throughout the year aimed at improving mental health and wellbeing for Wokingham Borough residents.
The next session, mental health and wellbeing community alliance, takes place on Tuesday 7 February, 10am to 11.30am.
If you are a voluntary or community sector (VCS) organisation or group with a particular focus on improving the mental health and wellbeing of people living in Wokingham Borough, this event is for you.
The aim of the alliance is to improve the experience of people accessing mental health and wellbeing support – through responding collaboratively to identified needs in the community.
Free tickets are available. Please note that one person per VCS group should attend. To sign up, visit the Eventbrite booking website.
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