The Green Gym programme was developed to help people keep fit as well as providing opportunities to gain training in horticulture and improving job prospects.

It is delivered in partnership with local agencies to promote activities using local green spaces, such as nature reserves, allotments and community gardens. Doctors also refer patients onto local green gym schemes via the exercise referral scheme.

The Green Gym programme is a national programme run under franchise through the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers. In the North East Groundwork manages and delivers the programme in South Tyneside and Newcastle in partnership with the local primary care trusts, South Tyneside Council, Newcastle City Council, the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers, and Job Centre Plus.

The programme is designed to help people relax, provide mental health benefits as well as getting individuals involved in physical activity to get fit. It is available to anyone over 18 years old and in all weather the volunteers' plant trees, weed beds, trim hedges and clear unsightly areas to restore them for the local community to use. During activities many volunteers use heart monitors to show how hard they are working and to keep their work at a steady pace.

The volunteers who attend a green gym benefit from improved fitness, health and self confidence. It is also a fun way to learn new skills.