January can be a difficult month for many, as we continue to experience short days and cold weather after the excitement of Christmas and New Year. As part of our wellbeing work, we are launching a new project to help men aged 18-35 to explore and support their health and wellbeing during the weekly sessions.
MEET (Men, Exercise, Engage, Talk) gives men the opportunity to exercise together, engage with creative activities, and talk to each other in a relaxed, open space. The project idea began when a member of the local community contacted Beds RCC with concerns about a gap in the market for a group aimed at 18-35 year olds. His own experience of mental health and his passion to make a difference to others has been instrumental in setting up the group.
MEET will be taking place bi-weekly on Sunday afternoons from 12pm – 4pm at Golden Gardens, Goldington, The Copse, Bedford (MK41 0EU). The session will feature different activities, such as gardening and building projects, as well as a walk to Priory Country Park and exercise. Alex Goulding, Beds RCC staff member and certified Personal Trainer will be on hand at times to help people with some fitness training.
Alex Goulding has been integral in setting up ‘MEET’. He said:
“We think this project is going to have a huge impact on men’s mental wellbeing in and around Bedford as well as reducing social isolation and reconnecting people back to the community. We’ll be measuring the impact of this project on peoples’ lives and hope to show it’s made a positive difference.”
This project has been funded by a grant from Bedfordshire and Luton Community Foundation (BLCF). Beds RCC are delighted to have received support from BLCF, as it allows us to continue helping those living in Bedfordshire and particularly reach out to men aged 18-30 in this setting.
The project builds on the wellbeing work already being carried out by the Community and Wellbeing team at Beds RCC, such as Social Prescribing, Good Neighbour Schemes, and the IT project ‘You Can Do IT!’.
The charity recently named ‘Community Business of the Year’ at the SME Awards is currently celebrating its 70th Anniversary Year, and to be able to launch new projects during this time proves just how much of a difference the charity is making to peoples’ lives in Bedfordshire.
If you are interested in joining the Sunday afternoon sessions, please get in touch by emailing alex.goulding@bedsrcc.org.uk.