DUNOON LIMBERS UP IN PREPARATION FOR GREEN GYM

Wednesday, 03 February 2010 11:37

The Green Gym scheme is a national initiative designed to boost people’s health and well being at the same time as improving their natural environment.

Experienced leaders guide participants through a range of practical physical projects, all of which take place out of doors.

The benefits of the Dunoon project, which will be run in partnership with the Dunoon Community Development Group and the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers, are envisaged as:

Promoting better health through physical activity

Delivering a range of skills to those participating

Promoting a sense of well-being through meeting new people within the community

Promoting improved mental health through social and physical well being

Improving the local environment and so helping to increase the feeling of civic pride and community stewardship

Generating positive local news coverage of environmental and health issues

Allowing the training of at least one person locally to deliver future Green Gyms in other areas of Argyll and Bute

Councillor Neil Mackay, Argyll and Bute’s spokesperson for Arts, Culture, Leisure and Sport, said this last point was particularly important.

“This is a sustainable approach which will benefit not only people in the Cowal area but hopefully – in the longer term – communities across Argyll and Bute,” he added.

“Green Gyms are a good way to get your heart and muscles working harder at the same time as improving the natural environment. For those with an interest in the outdoors, they provide a great alternative to a conventional gym or sports centre

“The Dunoon plans are still at a very early stage, but I very much look forward to hearing of the Green Gym’s successes once it is up and running.”

Green Gym groups meet at least once a week and do between 1 and 4 hours practical conservation or gardening work.

Activities are led by a qualified leader, and always include warm up and cool down exercises to prepare the body for activity, training in tools and equipment use, and an explanation of how the project will benefit the local environment.

The Dunoon project is being supported by Cowal's active Local Public Health Network, which promotes community-led health improvement initiatives and links closely with Dunoon Community Development Group.

Lower Clyde Greenspace has delivered a wide range of projects within Argyll and Bute already, ranging from another Green Gym in Helensburgh’s Duchess Wood to social and cultural activities, education, training, promotion, biodiversity, access, health and community safety.

Area manager Charlie Cairns said: “We’re delighted to secure the funding to allow us to go ahead with the Dunoon plans.

“In addition to the NHS Health Improvement money, Lower Clyde Greenspace has agreed to contribute £500 to the scheme to ensure it reaches its full potential.”

The dates and locations for the first Green Gym events in Dunoon will be finalised over the next few weeks.