The GoodGym Project

GoodGym was developed following a successful grant application to Leicester City Council, who awarded them £20,000 in 2017.

The programme was designed to encourage people in Leicester to take part in community group runs whilst helping the elderly with one-off practical tasks that they are no longer able to do on their own. These tasks give the runners a reason to explore different routes and help to make a big impact on someone's life.

Over a million older people in the UK are often lonely and some go for months without seeing friends or family. GoodGym has supported runners to visit an elderly person as part of their weekly running routine.

GoodGym has achieved a successful launch and there has been a steady attendance of both runners and volunteers, which is essential for the long term sustainability of the project.

GoodGym have developed 2 volunteer roles. One volunteer has been recruited to steer the group locally, promote GoodGym through social media and assist new runners. The second volunteer acts as a Run Leader and has attended the England Athletics Leadership in Running Fitness course to ensure they can offer high quality support to the group.

"Before GoodGym I always lost motivation to stick at running or the gym but now I run 2 or 3 times a week."

Hazel, GoodGym Runner

'Case Study from Leicester-Shire & Rutland Sport's 2017/18 Annual Review'