Community Matters: Simple ways to stay active and boost your wellbeing in Torbay

I’m writing about the benefits of keeping active and how you can do this on your doorstep with the benefit of sharing the experience with others.

Walking is a free, and accessible way to improve physical and mental health, boosting endorphins to reduce stress and anxiety while strengthening the body.  Exercise can improve sleep, gut health, and overall mood and no special equipment required!

In Preston, we have the “Preston Weekly Walk”, we meet at the Cliff end of Preston Sands at 12 noon every Tuesday. The group are very friendly and welcoming and they look out for each other.  The walk is a gentle pace and on the flat.  It is an ideal walk for those who want to get there fitness back, it is manageable and also very social. 

Alethia has been walking with us for over a year now, she said, “I enjoy the walk and the company, I’ve made some friends and we talk about all sorts. Sometimes there is a few walkers, sometimes more. We finish the walk each week at a local café for refreshments and more chatter.”

There are many different ways to keep fit and healthy. You may want to try a local class of Chair Yoga, it is at Preston Conservative Club every Monday and Thursday from 11am until 12 noon. Non members £5 members £4.

Gardening is also therapeutic and good exercise and even better when taking part collectively with other members of your community.

“Our Patch" is a volunteer-led community group dedicated to maintaining and enhancing the grounds, woodlands, and lawns of Parkfield in Paignton. Each Monday and Tuesday between 10am – 3pm a small group of volunteers have been helping around the grounds of Parkfield.  Everyone is welcome.

Let’s not forget the wonderful Oldway Gardens Volunteer Group – They hold sessions every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9.30 AM to 12.30 PM.

A great chance to connect with fellow volunteers. You are welcome to attend all sessions or just the ones that suit your schedule. 

Joining is easy - just go along to one of their working parties or contact them for more details, oldwaygardens@gmail.com

Plenty to do to help you keep happy and well. Please call me on 07929335915 or email me on ninacooper@torbaycdt.org.uk if you want more information on any of the above.