PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
Physical activity and wellbeing At Oxfordshire Mind we provide support to people who would like to increase their physical activity. It is part of our campaign to give everyone the opportunity to improve their physical health. Keeping active is one of the five ways to wellbeing, and research shows that physical activity can help improve your mental wellbeing, as well as your physical health and fitness. You don’t have to go to the gym to get fit, there are plenty of ways you can get active at home. Try doing something you enjoy, such as walking, running, dancing, gardening or cycling! For ideas of how to get fit, and suggestions of where to start, please get in touch with us. We also have the following group activities at Oxfordshire Mind: – Yoga in Cowley, Witney, Abingdon and Banbury – Seated Yoga in Witney – Table Tennis in Cowley – Badminton in Oxford – Football in Wallingford – A gym group in Headington To find out more about this project, please contact the Physical activity and wellbeing Coordinator based at Oxfordshire Mind Head office, 01865 263730 (main office number) Email: physicalactivity@oxfordshiremind.org.uk Visit www.oxfordshiremind.org.uk/what-we-do/sport to find out more Generation Games exercise and wellbeing – a free service for Oxfordshire’s over 50s Generation Games is Age UK Oxfordshire’s physical activity service. Our aim is very simple: to help you get moving and enjoy life to the full. It’s never too late to start exercising – and it’s one of the most effective ways to maintain independence and ensure we stay steady on our feet. Generation Games has a wide choice of physical activity opportunities on offer across Oxfordshire, from Tai Chi to chair-based exercise and Zumba Gold. Find out which sessions are on near you that you might enjoy, get a personalised recommendation of what activity might suit you, or be inspired to try something new. Registering with Generation Games is easy to do and is completely free. You can either register online by visiting the Generation Games website, or you can register over the phone by calling 01235 849 403. Once registered you will be able to: -
Receive copy of our extremely popular free 'Gentle Exercise at Home' DVD to get you started Find out which sessions are on near you that you might enjoy Get a personalised recommendation of what activity might suit you Log your own personal activity, earn points and receive rewards Receive regular news, advice and updates
Website: www.generationgames.org.uk Email: generationgames@ageukoxfordshire.org or info@generationgames.org.uk .
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FACTSHEET 1: Updated March 2018
Root & Branch Westmill An independent charity, partly funded by the Oxfordshire Mental Health Partnership. One of 8 recovery groups across Oxfordshire under the umbrella organisation, Restore. Located on an organic farm in the Vale of White Horse on the Wiltshire/Oxfordshire border, Root and Branch offers clients a wide range of interesting activities such as gardening, blacksmithing, woodwork, crafts, artwork and cookery. To promote the mental and emotional well-being of persons who are affected by a range of health problems including mental health problems and physical disabilities. If you are experiencing mental health problems, they may be able to help you. To access support you will need to have a mental health diagnosis from a medical professional. You should already be seeking professional help from your GP or be under the care of the Community Mental Health Team. Someone from the mental health team or your doctor needs to make a referral to Root and Branch. Address: Westmill Farm, Watchfield SN6 8TH Telephone: 01793 780380 Website: http://www.rootandbranch.info Email: rootandbranch@btconnect.com Client Group: People with mental health difficulties living in Oxfordshire. Access to Service: Referrals can be made by CMHT, SIL providers and through the Wellbeing Service. Green Gym - Exercise to make a difference The Conservation Volunteers (TVC) created and runs Green GymsÂŽ across the UK. Green Gyms are free outdoor sessions where you will be guided in practical activities such as planting trees, sowing meadows and establishing wildlife ponds. Unlike other conservation projects, the emphasis is very much on health and fitness - volunteers warm up and cool down in preparation for a range of light to vigorous activities to suit all abilities. By taking part, participants are encouraged to make positive changes to their lifestyle, such as walking and cycling more. Green Gyms also enhance mental wellbeing through increased contact with nature, the social benefits of group activity and helping people contribute something positive to their community. Abingdon Green Gym Email: abingdon.green.gym@googlemail.com Website: www.abingdongreengym.org.uk Main Contact: Eleanor Dangerfield Bicester Green Gym Email: steve.bea@ntlworld.com Website: www.bicestergreengym.org Main Contact: Bea Foster Chipping Norton Green Gym Email: jennyharrington@btinternet.com Website: www.chippygreengym.org Main Contact: Jenny Harrington
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Sonning Common Green Gym T: 0118 972 3528 Email: rhowles@btinternet.com Website: sonningcommon.tcv.org.uk Main Contact: Robin Howles Wallingford Green Gym Email: jenniferbrooker777@btinternet.com Website: www.wallingfordgreengym.org.uk Main Contact: Jennifer Brooker Woodstock and Chipping Norton Green Gym Email: redpath998@aol.com Website: www.woodchipgreengym.org.uk Main Contact: Philip Redpath
FACTSHEET 1: Updated March 2018
http://www.tcv.org.uk/greengym/find-green-gym
Health Walks Health Walks are short, organised walks, led by trained volunteers from the local community. They are part of the national Walking for Health initiative. Designed with health in mind they can improve both physical and mental health by offering a safe, friendly and supported environment where everyone can walk at their own pace and not be left behind to walk alone. There is also opportunity to socialise with refreshments at the end of the walk. Health Walks are perfect for beginners, for those who would like to become more active or perhaps lack the confidence and knowledge about where to walk. Many of the walks have a variety of routes and offer the opportunity to move onto more challenging walks as fitness increases. Oxford Health Walks – Contact is Emma Collins, Sport and Physical Activity Officer Tel: 07483 007114 Email: collins@oxford.gov.uk https://www.walkingforhealth.org.uk/walkfinder/south-east/oxford-health-walks-0 Vale of White Horse Health Walks – Contact is Ashley Chapman, Scheme Co-ordinator Tel: 01235 422219 Email: ashley.chapman@southandvale.gov.uk https://www.walkingforhealth.org.uk/walkfinder/vale-white-horse-health-walks Abingdon Health Walks – Contact is Viv Boorman, Coordinator Tel: 01235 531769 Email: vivboorman531@btinternet.com https://www.walkingforhealth.org.uk/walkfinder/abingdon-health-walks Chalgrove Health Walks – Contact is Margaret Wiggall, Voluntary Walks Coordinator Tel: 01865 890730 Email: margaretjwiggall@hotmail.com https://www.walkingforhealth.org.uk/walkfinder/chalgrove-health-walks Didcot Health Walks – Contact is Robin McStay Tel: 01235 835358 https://www.walkingforhealth.org.uk/walkfinder/didcot-health-walks Benson Health walks – Contact is Anne Parr, Volunteer leader Tel: 01491 837564 Email: a_parr@hotmail.com https://www.walkingforhealth.org.uk/walkfinder/benson-health-walks Sonning Common Health Walks – Contacts are Chris Brook, Scheme Co-ordinator Tel: 0118 9242515, Email: chris.brook@sonningcommonhealthwalks.co.uk And Richard Soden
Tel: 0118 9724149, Email: richard.soden@sonningcommonhealthwalks.co.uk https://www.walkingforhealth.org.uk/walkfinder/south-east/sonning-common-health-walks Website: www.walkingforhealth.org.uk