Active Gloucestershire, the driving force behind the We Can Move movement, has unveiled the finalists for its community changemaker photography project.
It shines a spotlight on individuals who are making a positive impact in Gloucestershire’s communities by going above and beyond to support people to get active.
After receiving nominations from across the county, the judging panel has selected 10 changemakers whose stories resonated with the spirit of the project and reflect the principles of We Can Move; which is to inspire, connect and enable.
Active Gloucestershire's work as a local charity is dedicated to promoting and supporting physical activity and movement across Gloucestershire.
It collaborates with individuals and organisations to make a positive impact on the health and well-being of the community. The project is a celebration of its values.
CEO of Active Gloucestershire, Tom Beasley, said: 'These finalists represent the heart and soul of our community, embodying the values of dedication, inspiration, and positive change.
'Their commitment to promoting physical activity and fostering healthier lifestyles has had a profound impact on the lives of Gloucestershire residents, and we are honoured to celebrate their contributions.'
The finalists will each have a portrait taken to accompany their inspiring stories. These photos will be taken by local photographer Emma Dunleavy-Harris.
Along with narratives highlighting their remarkable efforts; these photos will be showcased at community exhibitions across Gloucestershire, with locations set to be revealed soon.
Additionally, the selected individuals will be invited to the We Can Move event on Thursday 9 May 2024 at Kingsholm Stadium, where their portraits will be unveiled, further recognising their invaluable contributions to the community.
SoGlos takes a closer look at the finalists.
Holi Courtney-Ward, founder and teacher at The He4t dance group
Holi runs dance classes in Tewkesbury and Evesham for all ages and abilities. Holi believes dancing isn’t just for dancers and wants people who enjoy dancing to have a space to do so.
Holi runs a variety of dance classes for children, adult beginners and adult intermediates as well as a class called The Dames for ladies over 40.
She said: 'There aren’t many of these classes locally and I’ve had amazing feedback from my current members.
'Many of the participants say these classes are more than just a dance class. It gives them the ‘I can do it’ attitude they may lack, as well as a confidence to give things a go that might be out of their comfort zone.'
Keasha Kellam, founder of Honour Thy Woman group's wellbeing programme
Through the Honour Thy Woman Group’s wellbeing programme, Keasha runs activities to promote creativity, health and wellbeing. This includes walks in nature, foraging, yoga and mobility sessions.
The group participants are all survivors of domestic abuse and know what it feels like to be isolated. These groups help women to self-care, socialise and escape the trauma of abuse.
It offers them a safe space and the opportunity to meet with women who share similar experiences. Peer mentors join the participants and encourage them to take part and lead a healthy and active lifestyle to help them improve their wellbeing.
MaryClare Faulkner, inclusive cycling lead at Goals Beyond Grass
MaryClare set up the Gloucestershire Wheels for All project in 2016 with the national charity Leonard Cheshire. With the help of many volunteers and colleagues, she now delivers inclusive cycling around Gloucestershire with the local charity Goals Beyond Grass.
MaryClare is passionate about enabling people who would otherwise be unable to cycle, to enjoy the activity in safe, off-road environments. The project provides access to a range of adapted bikes which enable people to enjoy the freedom, wellbeing effects, physical exercise and social interactions that cycling allows.
The carers and family members who accompany the participants can also benefit from all the above as well as the volunteers.
Yacoob Patel, volunteer coach at Rising Stars YFC
Yacoob is a volunteer coach at Rising Stars FC who delivers football sessions in Barton and Tredworth. He has been pivotal in driving participation in an underrepresented and diverse community of young people. He coaches children from age eight to 14, offering turn-up-and-play sessions every Sunday morning, as well as Saturday matches.
He goes far beyond a typical club coach and has been instrumental in the success for Rising Stars youth football.
The club has more than 10 nationalities that are united with the love of football and, under the influential dedication of their coach, Yacoob, they come together to show the power sport can have.
Sinéad Byrne, head instructor at Kenbu Dojo
Sinéad teaches martial arts but gives lots of other opportunities for her students to get active or just be social together in a supportive and comfortable environment in Gloucester.
Sinéad said: 'Most of my members feel like an extended family, meaning they have a safe space to be themselves and have support of either myself or others through life’s many ups and downs, so l love to support them and be their biggest cheerleader inside and outside of our club.'
Sinéad is passionate about making a difference and feels that if she can make one person’s life better for doing what she does, then every day will always be worth it.
Lara Attwood and Sam Quinson, social prescribing link workers for Caring for Communities and People / NHS & Cheltenham Central Primary Care Network
A duo of changemakers; Lara and Sam support the local community in their general wellbeing goals and encourage patients to actively work towards healthier, happier lifestyles.
As part of their role as social prescribing link workers, they run a fortnightly walking group which they encourage patients to join to give them the opportunity to get out of the house, meet new people and benefit from some light exercise.
They also support people who are unable to get out and about through links to online exercise classes.
Lara and Sam are passionate about helping people combat social isolation and manage pain through physical activity. They believe exercise is a solution to many problems, both mentally and physically.
Marion Simmonds, volunteer walk leader for Charlie's Community Support
Marion became a volunteer at Charlie's after she was supported by the charity through her cancer diagnosis, treatment and recovery. Marion has since become a volunteer who offers organised walks across Gloucestershire for people affected by cancer.
She arranges and advertises the walks, as well as organising a place where participants can meet for a coffee and a catch-up afterwards.
As someone who has first-hand experience of having had cancer, Marion offers a listening ear, speaks from her own experience and is a calming support to anyone she can help.
Marguerita Mills, volunteer for the Wellbeing Garden Project for the Independence
Marguerita supports people to get active in a different way. Through the Wellbeing Garden Project, she encourages people to get outside and do some gardening, whether it be digging, planting, pruning or mowing.
Marguerita loves gardening and encourages others to do the same. She spends time connecting with participants in Cheltenham, understanding their needs, abilities and interests and then showing them how to do different projects.
She shows her appreciation for what participants have achieved and enjoys checking in with them to see how they are progressing.
Léla Thomas, founder and director of SOH Fit Community Fitness Sessions
Léla is a fitness instructor in Gloucester; she has recently opened a ladies-only fitness studio focused on supporting women's optimal health and delivering community exercise classes for older adults.
She offers a variety of fitness classes
and personal training services that cater to diverse needs. Her aim is to cultivate a supportive and motivating atmosphere within her fitness studio where women feel comfortable, encouraged and empowered to embrace their fitness journey, regardless of their starting point.
Léla is deeply passionate about supporting residents to achieve their optimal health and wellbeing, she said: 'As a fitness instructor, I have personally experienced the transformative power of exercise and healthy living and I am committed to sharing that experience with others.
'I believe everyone — especially women — deserves to feel strong, confident and capable in their own body, and I am dedicated to providing the resources and support necessary to help them achieve that.'
Aaron Davies, health and wellbeing coach at GL Communities
Aaron offers one-to-one coaching, alongside leading walking groups and yoga sessions.
He believes moving the body creates a free mind and wants his sessions to help people with their self-belief, confidence, independence, weight management, movement patterns and overall health and wellbeing.
