A NEW not-for-profit organisation is aiming to get people across Cornwall more active after securing National Lottery funding from Sport England.

Not A Gym, a Community Interest Company focused on improving the physical and mental wellbeing of Cornish residents, has been awarded funding to support people who face barriers to becoming more active.

The organisation is already operating in Cornwall, with its first sessions taking place in Bodmin this month, before activities are soon rolled out to Camborne, Liskeard, Penzance and St Austell.

Managing director Gary Head said the funding would help the organisation reach people living in some of Cornwall’s most deprived communities.

He said many residents do not have the support they need to improve their health, while physical activity could help people manage some of the long-term health conditions affecting communities across the county.

“This funding means we can start work immediately and we’re thrilled our first sessions will be rolled out in Bodmin this month,” said Gary.

Not A Gym’s approach is based around taking activities into local communities rather than expecting people to attend traditional gyms or fitness centres. Sessions use existing facilities that residents already know and feel comfortable using, with the organisation particularly targeting people who are less active or may feel uncomfortable in conventional exercise settings.

Gary said this approach was important because traditional environments designed to encourage exercise can sometimes have the opposite effect.

“Not A Gym will deliver bespoke activities aimed at Cornwall’s least active residents, in places familiar to them within their own communities,” he said.

The organisation says it takes a people-centred approach, working with individuals to understand their needs, motivations and abilities. It also aims to support people who may experience pain or other barriers to exercise, without placing pressure on them to participate more than they feel able.

More information available at www.notagym.co.uk