Join in, feel good The Conservation Volunteers Green Gym
Who are TCV? A community volunteering charity that works to connect people and help them build stronger communities. Places Health Skills Why do we exist? To take practical action, in partnership with people and communities, to transform their health, prospects and places the long term
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Green Gym how it works On arrival you will be taken through a series of warm up exercises to reduce the risk of injuries, this will be completed by stretching exercises at the end of the session. The leader will remind you how to use the tools safely and discuss the task ahead.
Green Gym how it works There will be different jobs and tools to try out. It is great to learn new skills and also realise all that you can do already. All groups have a relaxed atmosphere. Everyone works at their own pace and is free to rest whenever they need.
Green Gym how it works The great thing about Green Gym is you get out in the open air. Volunteers learn about environmental conservation and ways to improve their local surroundings.
Green Gym how it works As part of the inclusive atmosphere, Tea break is very important. Refreshments are provided, creating the perfect setting for an informal chat and making new acquaintances!
Green Gym how it works Sessions last half a day, ending with 'Cool Down' exercises and a tidy up. Generally, people experience a sense of achievement and improved selfconfidence. They feel good mentally and physically.
Join in, feel good
Green Gyms transform people s health and wellbeing through participation in outdoor conservation activity. They are group-based, physically challenging and result in green spaces for the wider public benefit. Regular attendees increase their activity over time and so get fitter. They also develop a social, or peer support network, and have higher levels of contact with nature. This powerful combination helps them to develop resilience against mental & physical health problems, and through learning how to manage green space, new skills, knowledge and confidence. Activities Trained leaders teach users how to safely warm up and cool down Users take part in regular, strenuous outdoor activity in a group Trained leaders teach users how to manage green spaces Trained leaders support & mentor some users to take on leadership roles* Assumptions A weekly commitment is sustained to a point of behaviour & lifestyle change** Users interact and enjoy each others company The local community wants to take responsibility for their local green space and manage it in a safe and effective way. Users increase intensity levels Users increase contact with nature Users increase social contact Users learn new conservation and land management techniques Increased understanding of the importance of green space Intermediate Outcomes Users see the positive impact of their work Users give and receive peer support Increased Skills Increased Confidence Increased Knowledge Increased Fitness Better Mental Wellbeing Reduced Isolation Some users commit to take on leadership roles Individual Change Sustainable, Community-led Action Ultimate Goals Better Health and Wellbeing Safe, Accessible Outdoor Places
Trained leaders teach users how to manage green spaces Trained leaders support & mentor some users to take on leadership roles* The local community wants to take responsibility for their local green space and manage it in a safe and effective way. 75% Users learn new conservation and land management techniques Increased understanding of the importance of green space Increased Skills Increased Knowledge Increased Confidence Some users commit to take on leadership roles Sustainable, Community-led Action Safe, Accessible Outdoor Places
Example Extension Models & Partnerships Schools Corporates Manufacturing Industry Childhood Obesity Alzheimer s Dementia UK RVS Workplace Ageing Well Green Gym Men s Health Mental Health Movember Men s Sheds Obesity / Heart Health Mind BHF Diabetes UK
It s a reason to leave the house and it lifts the depression. You are achieving something and you meet new people Charlotte, Green Gym volunteer
Join in, feel good Thank you Dominic Higgins Policy Manager d.higgins@tcv.org.uk www.tcv.org.uk/greengym