Celebrating community wellbeing through swimming, cycling and running

This Mental Health Week (12 – 19 May), Torbay-based Healthscape CIC and Triathlon England are celebrating the success of their inclusive swim, bike, run programme.

The programme is helping people across south Devon improve their mental wellbeing, build community connections, and develop healthier lifestyles.

The programme supports people from a wide range of backgrounds, including those facing mental health challenges, social isolation, or rebuilding after addiction, by offering regular, structured physical activities in a welcoming, peer-led environment.

Since 2020, what began as simple cold-water sea dips has expanded significantly. Over 100 participants now take part in sessions each week, with more than 80 completing Couch to 5k running programmes. In 2024, cycling was introduced with closed-road rides at Torbay Velopark, and bikes provided for those who need them.

Healthscape CIC has worked closely with Triathlon England for four years to develop the programme. Eight volunteers have now been trained, including six as Swim Bike Run Community Activators.

Torbay Council provided funding through Torbay on the Move’s Back to Sport programme and Active Devon and others have also helped to fund essential equipment like wetsuits, gloves, and changing robes to ensure safety and accessibility.

Paul Richards, Director of Healthscape CIC, said: “Triathlon England’s support has helped us grow a model that really works. Each time we expand what we offer – whether it's running, swimming, or cycling – we connect with more people and help them feel part of something meaningful. Watching that change happen is amazing.”

Amy Hall, Director of Community and Sports Development for Triathlon England and British Triathlon, said: “Over the past five years, our partnership with Healthscape has grown into something truly transformative for the Torbay community. What began as a simple sea-dipping initiative has evolved into a vibrant programme of swim, bike, and run activities, each one helping more people take steps toward better health and wellbeing. We've been proud to support this journey from the start and to witness firsthand the life-changing impact it continues to have.”

Councillor Hayley Tranter, Torbay Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult and Community Services, Public Health and Inequalities, said: I’m pleased to see the positive impact this scheme has had for people struggling with their mental wellbeing.

“It’s well documented that taking part in sport can have benefits for people’s mental health as well as their physical fitness – not to mention the social benefits of meeting up with like-minded people to set and achieve personal goals.”

Louise Marshall, Director from Active Devon, said: “We believe everyone in Devon should have the opportunity to benefit from an active lifestyle, and Healthscape provides a fabulous programme for people in their communities to move more, supporting not only their physical health, but their mental wellbeing.

“We are delighted to be working together with community-based organisations such as Healthscape, and our partners to connect, advocate and enable others to move more, and to positively impact people’s lives.”

The programme also partners with groups like The Jatis Project, offering volunteering opportunities that provide structure, confidence, and a renewed sense of purpose for those on recovery journeys.