As part of the Green Social Prescribing project in Plymouth, Argyle Community Trust are delivering a range of weekly activities which aim to encourage people from the local community to become more physically active and get back into the great outdoors. The project is based in the largest park in Plymouth, Central Park, which has a range of types of nature, as well as sports and recreation opportunities for all interests.
There are a variety of activities provided to ensure a wide cross-section of people can be engaged, including older people at risk of isolation, people looking to lose weight, Armed Forces veterans and school children on free school meals. The activities include:
- Walk & Talk group for older adults
- Beginners Bowls sessions
- Couch to 5k programme which aims to support people to run 5km in 9 weeks
- An outdoor Soccercise circuit class which uses footballs to help women exercise
- Sessions that use sport to engage with Armed Forces veterans
- School holiday activity club aimed at children who receive free school meals or the pupil premium
Physical activity is a vital part of our programme and is being used as a way of getting people back out into the community after lockdown. As well as the obvious health benefits, such as losing weight, it has been found that physical activity has also had a positive impact on participants’ mental health, reducing social isolation and improving their overall wellbeing. We are working closely with the Wolseley Trust, who employ social prescribers that work in partnership with GP practices across Plymouth, to connect people to the project to get more active in a safe and friendly environment. It is hoped that a successful Olympic Games from Team GB will further inspire people to get more active this summer
As well as the physical activity sessions, a wide range of free activities have been developed for the summer programme. These include activities that highlight the natural environment of the park and give the local community the opportunity to experience new activities on their doorstep. Project partner, the Wolseley Trust, is providing wellbeing support for participants. The Wolseley Trust employs social prescribers who work in partnership with GP practices across Plymouth, to connect people to the project for support to get active in a safe and friendly environment. Argyle Community Trust and their partners the Theatre Royal and Green Minds will lead on a variety of physical activity, arts and nature-based activities.
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Ben Kerswell is Health and Wellbeing Manager at Argyle Community Trust.
If you wish to find out more or have a specific question about the programme or the project, please contact Ben Kerswell on email [email protected] or phone 07961588378.
