Leeds
How GoodGym Leeds is Building a More Inclusive Community
How Laura brought people together to do good
November 29, 2024
Featuring
GoodGym has a goal of creating healthier, happier and better connected communities. To do this successfully, we want to represent the diversity of people in those communities.
Laura Cope, GoodGym Leeds Area Activator, has worked hard to invite lots of people in their work. She had this to say:
“I'm really proud that Leeds has become such a diverse group, with a range of people attending from all over the city. I think all these measures help to make Leeds a more inclusive group. We always do what we can to support whoever comes along.”
Laura was keen to stress the importance of communication and getting the message across to as many groups as possible:
“I've increased diversity by promoting more widely to different groups & communities in Leeds. I have contacted various faith groups both at the universities & in the community to promote what we do.”
Social media can play a very important role and is something that Laura has used as a strategy to reach a range of groups:
“I think social media has also played a part in helping us become more diverse. I have put a lot of time into creating posts & videos which show the diversity of the group. I think if people see someone who looks like them at the group, then they're more likely to get involved.”
Whilst social media has been an effective tool, Laura emphasised the importance of still meeting with organisations in person:
“I also met with an organisation who works with people experiencing mental health issues who are trying to get back into work. I encouraged them to promote what we do to their members & offered to put in more support where needed.
When a lady recently joined who has a visual impairment, I decided to put a buddy system in place to support her as well as contacting guide runners through British Athletics.”
Thank you for sharing and well done Laura. A warm welcome to all of our new GoodGymers in Leeds!
