Get Out Get Active (GOGA) is an exciting programme that started in April 2020 which aims to support people of all abilities to be active together. Funded by Spirit of 2012 and London Marathon Charitable Trust, all partners are focused on encouraging people to move more through fun and inclusive activities. In Tayside, GOGA is a partnership between Scottish Disability Sport and NHS Tayside. GOGA Tayside hopes to engage and support people of all ages to be active.
GOGA is more than being active. It strengthens community spirit, increases confidence and can support local people’s health and wellbeing in a number of ways.
Over the past year, GOGA Tayside has been delivering a free online activity programme delivered over Zoom. The programme has included a variety of activities, delivered 6 days a week, where people from all over Tayside have come together to not only be active but support one another in times of isolation.
There has been a real sense of community throughout the programme, providing a safe space to meet virtually and move together. We have recently introduced a cuppa and a catch up online every Friday which has been really well received by our participants and increased everyone’s ability to get to know one another.
We have seen the positive impact that connecting virtually to take part in physical activity can have; it has lifted mood, boosted morale as well as having many benefits to physical health, strength and mobility. It has reduced loneliness, allowing those who may have been isolated, to communicate daily, create bonds which they would never have been able to create and be a part of something unique.
Here’s what some participants had to say about the programme:
“All I can say is, that I don’t know how I would have survived mentally and physically if it hadn’t been for GOGA! My experience has been very positive and beneficial to my whole wellbeing in participating in the classes. I certainly have more energy, my posture and balance has improved, and I look forward to the next sessions over the long drawn out winter.”
“I’ve found it a great help, it’s a good use of time, you see people, its conversation you just wouldn’t have, it boosts your morale, you feel better.”
“GOGA is person centered, its very good, people can go at their own pace, everybody is welcome, its welcoming, its friendly and its free!”
“Its brilliant, there it is in a nutshell.”
To find out more about GOGA Tayside please check out our Facebook and Twitter page @GOGATayside. To sign up to our online activity programme please find us on Eventbrite: GOGA Tayside’s Online Activity Programme – Week beginning 29th March Tickets | Eventbrite