Activity Groups
Improved self-esteem, confidence and overall wellbeing.
The PLF offers inclusive Community Activity Groups in the form of weekly swimming, cycling and running clubs, for both males and females of any ability run by our Trustees and volunteers.
Cycling, Swimming, Running
Free activities, and no membership or regular commitment required
Our regular weekly groups operate on a self-referral basis to encourage physical and mental health and wellbeing through exercise and outdoor activities, and they are completely free of charge.
A safe space to enjoy a range of activities with likeminded people
Our activity groups offer support to all, from general camaraderie with likeminded people, to aspiration raising, working towards personal and group goals. They are also a safe space to speak out and disclose any concerns you have about mental health or domestic abuse issues.
A sense of achievement and accomplishment can be gained by attendees at all levels of fitness, resulting in improved self-esteem, confidence and over all well-being.
Cycling Club
Our cycling club is currently for experienced riders who have experience of riding 20 miles plus. Both males and females are welcome and we meet at weekends at various times.
Road bikes are the preference for the group and designated routes are planned each week with stop off points.
Keep an eye on our social media channels for weekly times and meeting points. If you do not have a social media account, then please email us at info@paullavellefoundation.co.uk for more information.
Ride for fun
The group cycles together for support and encouragement and there is the option to set personal or group goals or also just to ride for fun!
Our cycling club participates in annual cycling challenges which all participants have the option to train towards.
In August 2018 32 PLF riders and a support team cycled the length of the UK from Lands End to John O’Groats to raise awareness of male domestic abuse. See the emotional start to their LEJOG journey here.
Cold Water Swimming Club
The PLF runs a cold-water swimming group at 7:30 every Sunday morning at New Brighton Marina. The group is open to both males and females who wish to learn about and feel the benefits of cold water swimming.
Our experienced swimming instructors will guide you and support you with your journey.
How to swim safely
Approach it with the same caution you would exercise – if you have heart disease, start slow and warm.
Make sure you can swim and start in a specialist swimming group
Preferably start in summer/early autumn when UK sea temperatures are 15-20°C
Start shallow – a gently shelving beach, or somewhere with a ladder
Go on a calm day – the initial two to three-minute period gasp when you can inhale water is the risky bit. Relax, do as little as possible and keep your head above the water for this period
Time yourself for two to three minutes. Once your skin reaches the same temperature as the water you’ll feel warm
Six three-minute swims will have an effect on your cold shock response that will last for months. As for your mood – you’ll have to be the judge until there are more studies!
Benefits
Cold water swimming has been proven to have many physical and mental health benefits.
Outdoor exercise and the companionship of fellow swimmers can improve symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Immersion in cold water induces a stress response: a set of physiological and hormonal reactions that evolved millions of years ago to cope with a wide range of potential threats. (Animal attack, jumping in cold water and sitting an exam all elicit a similar response).
Heart rate, blood pressure and breathing rate all increase and stress hormones are released. But, if you immerse yourself only a few times in water of 15C or less, this stress response is reduced.
However, it is not only the stress response to cold water that reduces with repeated immersions.
Cold water swimmers describe many benefits: they never get colds and never turn the heating on in winter. Many have stories of how they came to outdoor swimming in times of grief or bereavement and found comfort, even joy, in the water.
Click here for further information.
Running Club
Our weekly running club is for both males and females of any ability and takes place every Thursday at 6pm. Our running club guides will support you with your training.
The meeting points change each week and can be found on our social media channels. If you do not have a social media account, then please email us at info@paullavellefoundation.co.uk for more information.
Our running groups are friendly, and everyone encourages each other to do well. There is the option to set personal goals or you can just run for fun!
The PLF also has an annual 5 and 10k race day fundraiser every May which participants have the option to enter.
Group 1
Runners with the ability to achieve 7:30 – 9:00 minute miles
Group 2
Runners with the ability to achieve 9:00 – 11:00 minute miles
Group 3
All-inclusive beginners’ level for anyone who wishes to start their running journey.
Need support?
If you or someone you know or work with needs support, or if you’d just like to find out more about how we can help, please get in touch today.