Since 2016 Up and Running Guelph has delivered outdoor walking and running programs that provide an accessible, community-based tool for participants to manage symptoms of mild-to-moderate depression, including anxiety, loneliness and high levels of stress.

Green exercise is promoted by health professionals for its proven efficacy in improving mental health and well-being. For those who are struggling, however, there can be barriers to getting active outdoors. We work to remove those barriers by delivering accessible, non-competitive programs led by peer volunteers with mental health training. Our peer support model serves to create opportunities for participants to form social connections while harnessing the benefits of green exercise. This unique approach helps participants take those critical first steps towards adopting green exercise as a tool for managing their mental health.

Originally designed for women, given their higher rates of depression, we have empowered over 600 women in our community since program inception and are on track to serve 150 women for 2022. As the need for additional mental health support grows in our community, we are working diligently towards the goal of expanding our program offerings. In Fall 2022, we will be piloting our first Up and Running @ Work program and welcome businesses to reach out if they are interested in exploring options for their employees.