Darlington FC Foundation and Physique provide gym sessions

Darlington FC (DFC) has been working with Tees Valley Sport, Physique Fitness and Darlington Baptist Church (DBC) to bring free health sessions to those struggling with the cost-of-living crisis.

Barry Thompson, joint minister for DBC and leader of DFC Foundation, said Tees Valley Sport approached the organisation to help provide those using foodbanks with exercise.

He said they have put on three weeks of sessions at the church on Corporation Road, while the gym has provided trainers and equipment for the programme.

Read more: Durham Brass Festival 2023 hailed as great success

Adding to this, the next three weeks of sessions will be taking place at the gym.

Mr Thompson said: "We've invited all of those who have cost-of-living issues, some from foodbanks, some from an addiction service, some linked with care navigators from the NHS.

"We've had between 12 and 18 people come to each session so far, and the idea is that people who are stuck in the cost-of-living crisis don't have funds to be able to go to the gym, so we've been able to put on some exercise for them.

"[It's good] for their mental health, it's good for their physical health.

"Some of the people who have come along have been isolated and not come out of their house at all, and they've come out to these sessions.

"[We hoped] they would be able to join a gym and find a community there, the gym is very much a community gym, it's very much into helping those who wouldn't be able to afford to go to a gym usually.

Read more: Newcastle A1: Lorry crashes into central reservation

"We are hoping that we will have people improve their mental health, their physical health, and be in a position where they are not isolated."

They are currently four weeks into a six-week programme, and he hopes Tees Valley Sport will be able to subsidise some gym memberships for those struggling.

He said the church runs an emergency foodbank as well as a free hot food service, and demand has increased significantly due to the cost-of-living crisis.

He said due to the pressures of the economic climate, many have been left without the expendable income to afford gym memberships.

He added that this could negatively affect the physical and mental well-being of those already struggling.

Mr Thompson said: "There has been a decrease in membership at the gym, which has aligned with an increase in people coming along to our food provision.

"The two things are very much linked."

As part of their work, Physique said it will be holding careers talks and exercise classes in local schools in Darlington, as well as the Free Steps to Fitness programme – in conjunction with Tees Valley Sport, Darlington Baptist Church and Darlington FC Foundation.

Read next:

• Darlington resident's fury as house blocked by bollards
• Teesside prisoner run cafe attracts worldwide acclaim
• Darlington GOLD tea dance returns next week - here's what's in store

Stay informed and up to date with a digital subscription to The Northern Echo. Only £4 for 4 months. Click here.

A Physique Health Club spokesperson said: "At Physique Health Club we decided this year to ‘Give Back to the Community’ rather than focussing on just one specific charity this year. 

"Free Steps to Fitness is aimed at those hit by the recent economic crisis who could not afford to attend a gym but needed help with their physical health and also their mental health as exercise is proven to help this.

"Set over 6 weeks we have been in both the Baptist Church Hall and also in the gym supporting them with their fitness needs.  They will also receive funding for membership so that they can continue with their fitness journey here at Physique."