Jess Smith

RBWM ‘COPtober’ is here! This is a month long initiative in the run up to COP (the United Nations Climate Change Conference) where lots of local groups are having events to encourage positive action against the climate crisis.

To show our support, we will be collectively attempting to run and walk to Glasgow, where the COP is happening from the 31st of October to the 12th of November. The distance to Glasgow is around 620km. That's equivalent to 124 parkruns, so we better get going, and get our friends involved too!

This virtual challenge is one you can do in your own time, so it can fit around other commitments. You can start logging runs and walks anytime from now. I wonder if we'll make it to Glasgow before the conference finishes!?

How do I make my runs and walks count?

Sign up to this GoodGym listing, then click here to start logging your activities on our Challenge Hound page. To connect your fitness tracking app (e.g. Strava, Garmin) select Apps in the menu at the top of the Challenge Hound page. Activities logged on your App from the 15th of October will count even if you join after this date.

What else can I do locally to fight climate change?

Here is a great podcast to download and listen to on your next run: BBC R4 - 39 Ways to Save the Planet.

The RBWM Climate Community on Facebook is also a great place to start. Click here to find their page. They share advice about everything from draught proofing your home to reducing waste, as well as details of COPtober events such as Repair Cafes and environmental films at Norden Farm.

You might also be interested in planting some trees with GoodGym. We have some sessions listed for weekends in December at Ockwells Park. Find details on our listings here.

Join the friendly people of Wild Eton Wick to help with hay racking at Cooleys Meadow. Cooleys Meadow is a lovely 7 acre open space next to the river Thames, which Wild Eton Wick have been working hard to turn into a haven for diverse flora and fauna. As part of the annual maintenance cycle the wildflowers and grasses have now been mown and we will be helping to rack the cuttings onto drop sheets and transfer them to the hot compost heap. Sounds like fun!

Please remember to bring your gardening gloves. Wild Eton Wick have requested that everyone wear their own gloves.

Note that Sheila will be cycling from Maidenhead. Comment below by Saturday at the latest or contact her via the GoodGym WhatsApp if you're keen to join her. Not part of the WhatsApp yet? You can request to join by contacting Amy Lovell (amylovell@goodgym.org or 07939487106).

There is also parking available in Bunces Close if needed.

Complete this community mission any time before the 14th of November

Whatever you're going through, a Samaritan will face it with you.

If someone is struggling with their mental health, Samaritans are there to provide a listening ear, with no judgement and no pressure.

To help them reach people who might be struggling to cope, the charity has created 'talk to us' tags, which share their contact details, and state, 'If you're looking for a sign not to kill yourself, this is it.' It is a message that many people will find upsetting, but it is worth sharing if there is a chance it can save someone's life.

How can GoodGym help?

Samaritans are asking runners to help by affixing these tags in places where they may be seen by someone who is struggling to cope. Suggested locations include benches and bridges in public places, particularly in locations where people might feel isolated. They ask that we avoid attaching the tags to monuments.

If you would like to help there are a few steps you need to follow:

1. Get a tag from Amy at a GoodGym group session or by contacting her to arrange collection (amylovell@goodgym.org or 07939487106).

2. Go for a run, walk or bike ride and affix your tag. You are welcome to do this with other GoodGym members, friends or family. The more the merrier! Feel free to use the group WhatsApp to find buddies and also to compare notes on locations so that twenty of us don't all head to the same spot.

3. Take a photo to share with Amy and Let Amy know the location of the tag. She will create a map to share our reach with the Samaritans.

If you are worried about someone, you might also like to check out this page on the Samaritans website. It contains lots of really helpful advice about how to be a good listener, how to get more help and how to look after yourself as well.

Many thanks to Ruth North from Maidenhead Athletic Club and @mentalhealthrunner, who have helped us get involved with this initiative.

Autumn is here and that means Burchetts Green Infant School are getting swamped in falling leaves! Layer up, grab your head torch and gardening gloves and join Jess on this fun session. For a flavour of what's in store, check out this report from a similar session last year.

There is car parking at the school, but Jess may well invite you to join her on a star-lit run across the fields to get there and back. If this sounds up your street, please comment below. Also watch this listing and/or the WhatsApp group for updates. If you're not in the WhatsApp group and would like to join please email amylovell@goodgym.org with your phone number.