A new community-minded running club has been launched in Ipswich - where members stop off to help isolated elderly people with one-off tasks while they are out and about.
This is the very first GoodGym running group to launch on the county, a scheme aimed at reducing loneliness and improving the wellbeing of older people in the area.
The club, which was set up in partnership with Suffolk County Council, launched yesterday at Ipswich Waterfront where they will meet every Monday at 6.30pm.
Trainer Ian Duggan, who will lead the GoodGym, said: “The town and surrounding area has a fantastically vibrant running community.
“GoodGym will add to this and give more people a chance to get involved in running and do good at the same time.”
Members of the GoodGym group will stop off on their runs to do odd jobs and physical tasks for older people who cannot do them their own.
As well as the weekly running group, GoodGym runners will also be paired with an isolated older person and commit to a weekly social visit as part of a befriending scheme
Councillor Tony Goldson, cabinet member for health at Suffolk County Council, said; “Suffolk aspires to be England’s most active county and as a council, we want to help our residents get fit, enjoy healthy and active lives and play a part in their own communities.
“GoodGym combines all of this, getting and staying fit while helping a neighbour or giving something to your community where you live.
“Something that can only enhance our great county.”
GoodGym welcome runners of any ability and is open to everyone in Ipswich and beyond.
The group will meet up at the University of Suffolk, who have donated the use of their facilities to host the runs.
Richard Lister, vice chancellor, said: “We are delighted to be able to offer the university as a base for GoodGym.
“The ethos of the organisation ties in well with outs and as a community impact university we are keen wherever we can to support projects such as this.
“I am sure it will be well supported by students, staff and local residents.”
For more information on GoodGym Ipswich visit www.goodgym.org
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