The $23,900 grant will help bolster the support programs offered by Up and Running
A $23,900 grant has been awarded to Up and Running Guelph through the Resilient Communities Fund grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation.
The grant will be used to prepare for the future through training, technology, and research while strengthening the group’s delivery of adapted programming.
The project, which was completed in January 2022, will give people in the community improved access to Up and Running programs and the mental health benefits of nature-based exercise.
“It gives me great pleasure to congratulate Up and Running Guelph for their steadfast dedication towards improving the mental health and well-being of Guelph residents through healthy and green exercise,” said Guelph MPP Mike Schreiner in a press release.
“During such challenging times when many have experienced isolation and loneliness, I commend the organization for offering safe, inclusive and innovative programs for Guelph residents to develop social connections and improve their quality of life. Thank you Up and Running for your continued commitment towards the well-being of residents in Guelph.”
This funding equipped Up and Running’s with the resources they needed to develop, plan and safely deliver adapted programming to support women in managing their mental health.
At the same time, it provided the organization with a better understanding of community needs and barriers to accessing services to inform future program development.
Since 2016, Up and Running has provided nature-based walking and running programs for women of diverse experiences, ages and abilities, helping them get active outdoors for improved mental health and well-being.
The grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation will allow Up and Running to better reduce those barriers and deliver on its mission.
“The impact of this Ontario Trillium Foundation grant cannot be underestimated,” said Shirley Hunt, chair of Up and Running in a news release.
“The pandemic has meant that many more Canadians have struggled with stress, anxiety, depression and loneliness. We know that green exercise, especially with the support of a group, can improve mood, reduce anxiety, and increase social connectedness. We want to make it easier for more people to experience those benefits. This grant has increased our capacity to do just that, helping us rebuild in a way that will grow our reach and broaden our impact for the long-term.”
Up and Running Guelph is committed to removing barriers to getting active outdoors, ensuring that more people are able to experience the mental health benefits of green exercise over the coming years.
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