TCV Scotland’s Green Gyms provides physical activity and health benefits through environmental conservation volunteering and is proven to improve fitness levels, physical and mental health and self-confidence.
Since 1997, over 90 schemes have been established across the UK. Building on this success, the school Green Gym model responds to current concerns over physical inactivity and obesity in children and young people.
School Green Gyms promote the health and wellbeing of children by engaging them in practical environmental activity in school grounds and nearby green spaces. Fun and stimulating activities will build skills and confidence, including growing vegetables, planting trees, building dens and shelters in woodlands.
TCV Scotland works with the school to support children in identifying ongoing forms of physical activity, including local environmental volunteering, sports or walking.
The project engages children whose health is most at risk and who have the most to gain from becoming more active. Evidence shows that the barriers to children being active include a preference for other activities and self-consciousness.
The school Green Gym project aims to overcome these barriers by providing an alternative to sport and traditional fitness activities, without the need for ‘sporty’ clothing.
Contact
To find out more about mentoring and register your interest, please contact:
Rebecca Strofton, Team Leader
Mobile: 07739 447964
Email: r.strofton@tcv.org.uk