Wellbeing in Willington: Bringing the gym to St Paul’s Church
26 Jan, 2021
Exercise is a brilliant way to counteract the lull of spending a large amount of time indoors, but with gym facilities closed, how can young people be encouraged to keep active during lockdown?

Due to the pandemic, local youths are faced with the struggle of being unable to access facilities where they can exercise, so, YMCA North Tyneside came up with the idea of taking the equipment to the young people.

Keeping Fit in Willington Quay

Last week, Youth workers took steps and hula hoops to the young people’s group based at St Paul’s Church in Willington Quay and engaged the young people in a circuits style session.  Youth workers highlighted to the group, the importance of exercise being beneficial for both physical and mental health.

The Importance of Exercise

Regular exercise can have a profoundly positive impact on depression, anxiety, and ADHD. It also relieves stress, improves memory, helps you sleep better, and boosts your overall mood. And you don’t have to be a fitness fanatic to reap the benefits. Research indicates that modest amounts of exercise can make a real difference. No matter your age or fitness level, you can learn to use exercise as a powerful tool to deal with mental health problems, improve your energy and outlook, and get more out of life.

The young people really enjoyed the session and are full of anticipation for the next one which will be delivered by the Youth and Play team over the next few days.

If you would like to find out more about getting active, YMCA offers a number of free resources to help you achieve your goals. Why not try and beat one of our Fitness experts in our Beat the Trainer Challenge or join in with one of YMCA Gym’s latest fitness classes online.

Right now, YMCA North Tyneside is helping hundreds of people in our local community and right now, we need your support.

Please donate here. And help us change the lives of vulnerable young people.

Read more news stories:

Our Eid al-Adha Celebrations

Our Eid al-Adha Celebrations

Known as the "Festival of the Sacrifice", Eid al-Adha is one of the most significant holidays in Islam and is celebrated by nearly 2 billion people across the world, which is nearly equivalent to 25% of the world's population. At YMCA North Tyneside, we wish to...

read more

YMCA Airplay VS RAF Leeming 2025

The air at RAF Leeming was buzzing with excitement as the children arrived, ready to tackle the day's challenge itinerary. Scribbled on the big whiteboard, it promised a day packed with fun and friendly competition. With many of the same enthusiastic RAF children...

read more
Housing Case Study: A New Chapter of Independence

Housing Case Study: A New Chapter of Independence

Supported housing plays a vital role in empowering individuals with learning difficulties to live more independently, offering a safe and nurturing environment that balances support with autonomy.  One powerful example of this is a young woman with learning...

read more
Ten Years of Growth

Ten Years of Growth

Last Friday lunchtime, the backyard of the housing transformed into a vibrant celebration as we marked the 10th anniversary of this vital supported accommodation. What started as a haven for a small group of young people has blossomed into something truly special....

read more
Staff VS Young People Football Match

Staff VS Young People Football Match

On Wednesday the 9th of April the football pitch at the Parks turned into a battleground—not of rivals, but of friendly fire as our North Shields Youth Group faced off against the YMCA Staff Team in what can only be described as a match for the ages (and possibly some...

read more