Volunteer coaches needed for park keep fit courses

Volunteers to the scheme gain a qualification and help their communities

Volunteers are being sought to become coaches for park exercise sessions in Sussex and Surrey.

Those who apply will be given training, leading to a qualification.

The volunteers are needed for schemes being run by Wealden District Council in Sussex, and Epsom and Ewell Borough Council in Surrey.

The programmes are run by Our Parks, a community organisation founded by fitness coach Born Barikor, to build on the legacy of the London 2012 Olympics.

He said: "It's exactly like a Parkrun, however we focus on those who can't run or aren't fit enough to run and get them on their journey to being fitter and more confident about their exercise.

"We're that starting base for an individual to get fit."

The qualification is taught online and takes about 18 hours in total, followed by an assessment.

"If you pass you're qualified to deliver circuits, classes on outdoor gyms for your community."

The scheme is operating in parks in parts of Sussex and Surrey

In Sussex the programme is being run in parks in Heathfield, Polegate, Uckfield, and Crowborough, initially funded by East Sussex Public Health and now by the local authority.

Mr Barikor said there are many advantages to exercising outdoors.

He said: "It's just so much more accessible, the endorphin release far supersedes being in a gym and it's the best way to meet your community.

"When you exercise in a park there's no barriers, you talk to the person next to you and it's the best way to build long-term friendships."

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