People urged to go green and get healthy

Communities’ charity Groundwork South Tyneside and Newcastle (STAN) is backing an annual national week of environmental awareness.

It wants people to make more use of its dedicated recycling collection service, get fit on its health and wellbeing programmes, invest in its high-quality used goods, and learn and have fun at its outdoor education centre.

Bosses say their local initiatives directly support national Go Green Week – the UK’s largest week of student climate action – which started on Monday.

Executive director Andrew Watts said: “Our programmes run throughout the year, but have added emphasis during Go Green Week.

“We have a range of excellent initiatives that encourage better health, learning and recycling, and I hope people will respond to them positively.”

Businesses bosses can boost their environmental credentials by taking advantage of collections of paper, cardboard, plastic bottles, cups, and cans.

Green Gym, which gets people into the outdoors for mild hands-on activities, such as horticulture and conservation work, is holding sessions and there are also health walks through Groundworks’ Walking Works Wonders initiative, which takes in woodland, countryside and urban green spaces.

The charity’s Home @ Windmill Warehouse, at South Tyneside Recycling Village on Middlefields Industrial Estate, South Shields, diverts furniture and other household items from landfill.

People can also go ‘green’ at Groundwork’s West Boldon Lodge outdoor education centre, where there are opportunities to join regular volunteer sessions, get involved in family events and courses, or for schools to bring pupils to explore its beautiful landscape.

More information on recycling collections is available by contacting Rachel Gibson on 0191 4281144 or by emailing [email protected]

Green gym details and timetables are available from Sarah Atchison on the same number or at [email protected]

Information about Home @ Windmill Ware is available on 0191 4555 517 or by following www.facebook.com/homeatwindmillwarehouseEvents at West Boldon Lodgesessions and education pack, are at www.westboldonlodge.co.uk or www.facebook.com/westboldonlodge