Coronavirus brought with it so many negative things; we were isolated from our families, working became difficult or impossible, and we all worried about our physical and mental health. But despite all this, there were a few little glimmers of positive change, not least many of us started going out daily for exercise (it was our only excuse to escape our four walls). While the rest of the Covid impacts can ‘jog on’, this is one we are keen to keep!
We know getting out for a walk or a bike ride is good for our physical health, but we regularly forget how key it is for our mental wellbeing too.
When you exercise, even if it’s just a brisk 10 minute walk, your body releases little neurochemicals called endorphins, which help you tackle pain and increase pleasure. They can help reduce stress and anxiety and make you feel more confident.
This summer lets try and keep this lockdown tradition of getting out an about (safely). Exercise doesn’t have to mean going for a run, or to the gym. It can be a walk in the park, riding around on your bike or bouncing on a trampoline in the garden.
We will share with you our ideas and advice so that you can feel confident about leaving your home, seeing friends and family and staying safe and well.
Staying safe
Wear a face covering...
when you are indoors in public places, using public transport or where it is difficult to social distance
Keep your distance...
if possible try and keep 2m between you and people outside your household.
Wash your hands...
frequently, for as long as it takes to sing 'happy birthday' twice.
NCLB recommends...
Interactive Hidden Cheltenham trail
Join the enhanced Augmented Reality (AR) Hidden Cheltenham trail!
Just open your camera and scan the codes or download a free QR code scanner app from your app store, a link will appear on your phone – click it then re-scan the code! The codes can be found on the round green Hidden Cheltenham floor stickers placed around town.
You will meet Lucy who will tell you historic information, fun facts and introduce interactive challenges and competitions, creating a real-world experience in the palm of your hands.
There are also hidden window stickers in businesses where you can discover free summer offers, discounts and competitions.
Things to do during the summer
We have come up with some ideas for things to do, with kids or without, both indoors and outside.
We’ll keep adding to it throughout August so keep an eye out for new ideas, and we would love to hear your suggestions too! get in touch with us via Facebook and Twitter or email us nochildleftbehind@cheltenham.gov.uk
All of Cheltenham’s parks and green spaces are now open, including children’s play areas, skate parks and park cafe and toilet facilities.
To stay safe, you should:
- take hygiene precautions when you are outside
- wash your hands as soon as you are back indoors
- keep at least two meters apart from anyone outside your household or support bubble at all times
- take hand sanitiser with you when you set off in case there are no handwashing facilities
The Lido is now open for lane swimming for adults and children age 8+.
Numbers are limited so you will have to book on to a specific session. Sessions last for 1 hour.
For more information check their website.
10 monster superheroes have been spotted in these parts and it’s your job to find them! Families in Cheltenham are invited to take part in
On those hot summer days why, not challenge the kids to a water fight in the garden or local play area? You don’t need fancy water guns, you can usually pick them up pretty cheap or you could recycle old washing up liquid bottles. Make sure you wash them out thoroughly first!
Cheltenham’s parks are great for nature activities. Maybe see how many different types of leaves you can collect, or go looking for different bugs, or simply walk in the fresh air.
We love the little nature reserve area at Hatherley Park, and there are some great child-length walks at Crickley Hill too.
Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust also has some great ideas for activities for children.
Did you know there’s a grass cycle track on the west side of Pittville Park? At 2019’s Festival of Cycling the youngsters loved doing circuits of the track and it’s free for anyone to use.
How are our partners staying #PhysicallyActive?
To keep up with the CBH Active Summer challenge keep an eye on their ‘What’s on ‘ pages on Facebook.
The Rock have planned a fun timetable of summer activities starting from 10 August.
Numbers will be limited to ensure people’s safety.
If you would like to attend a session contact Chris on 07456683195 or email chris@therock.org.com.
Hesters Way Partnership are starting the MUGA summer football coaching sessions on 27 July, managed by Nick Housden and his Bridge Academy Football coaches
They’ll be following government guidelines for sport as interpreted by the FA and will be taking every precaution to ensure the safety of the coaches and the participants.
As well as hand sanitising and equipment cleaning they will be asking for contact telephone numbers for participants to comply with the track and trace guidelines.
It’s a drop in session which takes place every weekday from 2pm until 4.30pm so feel free to come along any time.
