Making movement accessible through community partnerships
A walk, a chat, some fresh air and a chance to move together. Exercise doesn’t have to be complicated to be valuable.
The walking group pictured here is funded by Walking Scotland, and I became involved through Fountainbridge Canalside Community Trust. It’s a lovely example of why working with charities and community organisations is such an important part of what I do at Jump Edinburgh.
I’m passionate about making exercise accessible. For me, that means thinking beyond a traditional fitness class and finding ways to bring movement to people in settings where they feel comfortable, supported and welcome.
Working together to reach people
Community organisations bring relationships, local knowledge and an understanding of the people they support. I bring my experience of adapting exercise and making movement enjoyable. Together, we can create opportunities that fit the group.
Through my work with Edinburgh and Lothians Greenspace Trust, I help people get moving in their outdoor spaces. Sometimes that means adding movement activities to an outdoor event. At other times, I work with their Branching Out programme, supporting groups of people referred through the NHS who are experiencing mental health difficulties.
These sessions are about making space for people to take part at their own pace, without pressure to perform or keep up with anyone else.
Movement can happen anywhere
Some of my most memorable sessions have taken place in settings you might not immediately associate with exercise.
I’ve worked with The Sorted Project on their canal boat, delivering gentle exercise and silent disco activities in partnership with NHS occupational therapists. I’ve also provided hula hooping and silent disco sessions for MECOPP, working with the Gypsy/Traveller community.
Different settings, different people and different activities—but the same aim: to offer an enjoyable way into movement.
This week, I also delivered stretch and guided relaxation at a Cancer Research UK staff meeting. Supporting the wellbeing of the people working within these organisations matters too, and it was a pleasure to give the team some time to pause, stretch and unwind.
Making room for more people
Accessibility isn’t just about offering an easier version of an exercise. It’s about the setting, the welcome, the pace and the choices people have. It’s recognising that what feels inviting to one person might feel daunting to another.
Working with organisations like these helps me reach people I might never meet through my regular classes. It also gives me opportunities to listen, learn and adapt what I offer.
I’m grateful to the partners who involve me in their work and share my belief that more people should have the opportunity to enjoy moving.
If your charity or community organisation would like to bring accessible, welcoming movement activities to the people you support—or your own team—I’d love to hear from you.