Cycling group switches to crisis delivery

Freemoovement helping Exeter's vulnerable

A local exercise group in Exeter that usually runs workout sessions in parks around the city is helping to deliver daily essentials to those in need during the pandemic.  

Freemoovement has so far helped around 150 people. Its volunteers have been using their single daily exercise quota to deliver hot meals, clothing, feminine hygiene products, medication and food parcels to Exeter’s homeless and most vulnerable. 

Founder and director Paul Mouland says: “Because we are no longer allowed to deliver our fitness activities in the local parks and people still wanted to be active, we decided to switch the activity from fitness classes to cycling food and essential products to those in need.”

The group which started out with just an initial four members has grown to around 18 people per session, with 11 sessions each week. Mr Mouland adds: “We have many volunteers that are keen to keep doing this as long as it is needed. It’s hard to say how many people we will end up delivering to, but I would expect the number to rise week by week as the hardship associated with the coronavirus kicks in.”

Freemoovement has now been awarded £1,000 from the covid-19 action fund grant administered by Exeter Community Wellbeing. The groups wants to hear from people who would like to help to in their communities. They can be contacted via social media or emailed on freemoovement@hotmail.com.