A RUNNING group has signed up to RED January to raise awareness of mental health support.

GoodGym is a national charity founded ten years ago with a branch in Colchester.

Members run to support community projects across the town.

The team has signed up to RED January, an initiative set up in partnership with mental health charity, Mind.

The aim is to promote physical activity as a way of tackling mental health.

Colchester GoodGym trainer James Taverner said: “Goodgym Colchester supports any form of mental health awareness and support.

“Our group is therapeutic in its nature.

“We meet, chat, exercise and help the community - all scientifically proven ways to improve mental wellbeing.

“For me RED January is a good idea but the key element is human connection through shared activities and the feeling knowing we have used our energy to help others and ourselves.

“We would love people to use Goodgym as one of their daily activities.

“I sort out the tasks with the foodbank, Colchester Borough Homes and council, Colchester in Bloom and St Helena Hospice and this is a part time role.”

His main line of work is as a social worker at Essex County Council.

To find out more about RED January, visit www.goodgym.org/areas/colchester.