Sport Manawatū is a charity that works to get people of all ages active, through sport, active recreation and physical activity. Its head office is at 61 Pascal Street in central Palmerston North, and it also has offices in Feilding and the Tararua district. The charity describes its work as contributing to hauora, or wellbeing, in communities. Its programmes include Play, which gives children time, space and permission to play, a programme for females in sport and recreation, and coach support for people who are new to coaching or have been coaching for years.
Its best-known service is Green Prescription, a health and wellbeing programme for people who want to be more physically active. A GP, practice nurse or community health worker can refer someone, or they can self-refer online. Each participant gets a personalised activity plan, which may include walking, swimming, strength work or gentle fitness classes, and a structured 10-week programme. Support is face to face, by telephone, or both. Participants also get advice on healthy eating and lifestyle. The programme suits people who want to build confidence or improve their health. For anyone in Palmerston North or the surrounding area who wants to start being active with support, it is our pick in the area.