Wolverhampton will be welcoming the Jolly Joggers to West Park for the first time next weekend. The new group, which meets for the first time on Saturday 16 January, 2016, will give people the chance to improve their mental health and wellbeing through exercise. Participants will be encouraged to set their own goals to walk, jog or run around the picturesque city centre park, while having fun at the same time.

The weekly sessions have been launched by the Dudley branch of Mind, the mental health charity, as part of its national Get Set to Go programme aimed at encouraging people to take up sport or physical activity to improve their mental health and wellbeing.

It also being supported by the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Public Health department and Councillor Sandra Samuels, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: "Being physically active is proven to reduce the symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression and improve people’s mood.

“I am sure this excellent new initiative encouraging people to get out there and enjoy a walk, jog or run around West Park will have a fantastic effect on their mental health and wellbeing, and I’d encourage anyone who may be feeling low because they are suffering from stress or anxiety to give it a go.”

James Austin from Dudley Mind said: “Activities like Jolly Joggers give people who may be experiencing issues like stress, anxiety and depression the chance to get more active in a relaxed and fun environment.

"Jolly Joggers is open to everyone because good mental health is important to us all, and it doesn't matter whether potential participants exercise regularly or not as they can run, jog or walk – it's very informal and the main thing is that people come along, have a go and enjoy themselves."

Jolly Joggers will meet every Saturday for 12 weeks from 16 January. To take part, please meet at the Bandstand at 10.15am, wear suitable clothing and trainers and bring a drink.

For more information, please call James Austin at Dudley Mind on 01384 442938 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..