ZURICH BACKS YOUNG LEADERS AS WELLBEING AND CONNECTION TOP PRIORITIES FOR UK YOUTH

Zurich Community Trust funds GoodGym’s programme to tackle rising loneliness among 18–35 year olds by training young leaders to deliver free, social fitness that combines exercise with volunteering.

86% of young people say that social connection is a priority for them this year, with 46% saying it’s a high or top priority.

This funding responds directly to those priorities, backing a practical, community-led solution proven to improve wellbeing and reduce loneliness.

Zurich Community Trust (ZCT) provides significant funding to improve the wellbeing of 18-35 year olds, combining social fitness and volunteering through GoodGym. The investment launches a programme to train young adults to lead inclusive, community-driven fitness sessions that reduce loneliness, strengthen social connection and support local charities.

The funding will enable GoodGym to:

  • Train 20 young leaders aged 18–35 to actively lead GoodGym sessions

  • Engage 500 young adults in practical volunteering and community fitness

  • Establish five GP referral pathways, connecting young adults experiencing loneliness with supportive activity

  • Gather evidence of increased wellbeing, confidence, belonging and reduced loneliness

  • Demonstrate demand for youth volunteering opportunities

GoodGym sessions are free, social fitness – combining running, walking or cycling with practical support for local organisations such as foodbanks, community gardens and schools.

Research from the London School of Economics found “extraordinary” increases in life satisfaction, connectedness and belonging for GoodGym participants. The impact is stronger among young adults who report significant improvement to mental health and wellbeing with effects lasting months from a single attendance.

The Zurich Community Trust provides core funding for the project, giving more young people the opportunity to build leadership skills, connect with their community and improve their wellbeing through purposeful physical activity.

Samanth Owen, Interim Head of Zurich Community Trust said:

“Zurich Community Trust is proud to launch a one-year pilot with GoodGym. Through this pilot, our investment will help GoodGym develop a new programme that trains young adults to lead inclusive, community-focused fitness sessions, creating spaces where friendships flourish, confidence grows, and local charities benefit. This is about testing bold ideas that can make a real difference in building stronger, more connected communities.”

Kim Hopkinson, GoodGym Head of Development said:

“We’re hugely thankful to Zurich Community Trust for getting behind this pilot. Loneliness is hitting young adults harder than anyone, and ZCT’s support means we can do something practical and positive about it. We know GoodGym can help people feel less alone and more connected, and this partnership allows us to offer that to young adults at a really important moment.”

EXTRAORDINARY BENEFIT TO WELLBEING

A two-year study conducted by the London School of Economics in partnership with GoodGym found extraordinary benefits to mental wellbeing from GoodGym’s sessions’ unique blend of practical volunteering and exercise.

Key findings include:

  • 21% increase in life satisfaction (comparable to the boost seen when someone moves from unemployment to six months of employment).

  • 17% increase in the feeling of life being worthwhile.

  • 21% decrease in mental distress.

  • 12% decrease in loneliness.

  • 27% increase in belonging.

  • 16% increase in connectedness.

Find a GoodGym session near you

Check out the GoodGym RIA Member profile here  .