The Mayor of London Boris Johnson has given London charity The Conservation Volunteers a £10,000 Team London grant to help them develop two ‘Green Gyms’ in Camden, as part of its plan to inspire volunteering in the capital.
The Green Gyms, which will be entirely led by volunteers, will teach participants how to grow their own food and wildlife conservation skills as they get fit and regenerate green spaces in Belsize Wood and Holborn. The grant is one of 10 grants being awarded by Team London to fund local initiatives which demonstrate innovative ways of encouraging volunteering.
The Conservation Volunteers have established 10 Green Gyms across London, which have a proven positive impact on the mental and physical well-being of participants, as well as equipping them with useful gardening and conservation skills. Participants are referred to the charity by GPs and a range of homeless, mental health and youth charities. The weekend gym sessions are free and fun, with everyone welcome to drop in, regardless of age or ability. Sessions are designed to flex participants’ muscles and minds, starting with a light warm up before tackling a wide-range of physical tasks designed to get blood pumping and offer a unique outdoor workout, while transforming London’s green spaces.
The Mayor of London Boris Johnson said; ‘I am thrilled Team London has supported this project – this is a great way of getting fit, greening the city and learning valuable skills. Volunteering is a great way to meet new people, try something different and do something for London, so if you haven’t already, go to the website and get involved.’