A big hello to the CPAOs

Live and Move delivers much of its work in communities through a team of very dedicated people who absolutely love helping people to move more, just one step at a time.

Community Physical Activity Organisers (or, CPAOs) work across the city and have their fingers on the pulse when it comes to knowing what’s out there to help people to get moving. Whether it’s a walk with others, a quick game of table tennis, a kickabout or rediscovering your bike, they support individuals to make the most out of their lives.

So just who are the CPAOs? We wanted to get to know them a bit more.

Ed Shaw has been in his role for four years looks after the south of the city, which includes Heavitree, St Loyes, Priory and Topsham.  Ed says that the very best thing about his role as CPAO is seeing the benefits that people gain from engaging in physical activity, and how that transfers to the rest of their lives.

He says: “Confidence gained from joining a walking group is confidence to try something else new, friends made on a cycle ride are friends to meet for coffee or go to the cinema with.”

Ed loves the green spaces in the city and loves that there are so many opportunities to be active, ‘from football to foraging, bird watching to baseball’.

A relative newbie to the team, Georgie-Marie Barbour-Gresham will be a familiar face to any Exeter City FC supporters, as she plays for the women’s team. Georgie looks after the north of the city and her area includes Mincinglake & Whipton, Newtown, Pennsylvania, Pinhoe, St James & Duryard.

She’s new to this part of the city but is really enjoying getting to know it and discovering all the great things that are already there helping people to be more active.

“What I enjoy most so far is listening to stories around how people, who have been held back from physical activity because of a barrier, overcome those barriers. I think we can learn from these stories and how we may help people and groups overcome barriers to physical activity.”

When she’s not working and playing football, Georgie loves walking her pup Tinkerbell and is an enthusiastic table tennis player!

Felix Elsen is relatively new to the role of CPAO and looks after the west of the city, which includes Exwick, St Thomas, St Davids, Alphington and St Leonards. He loves this area because he says he’s never too far from the water and the River Exe being on the doorstep offers lots of opportunities to spend time in nature.

A keen cyclist himself, you’ll often spot Felix whizzing around the city but he also enjoys bouldering, yoga and walking his dog.

Felix is thoroughly enjoying the job of CPAO so far:

He says: “I love mingling and getting to know the varied communities in my area and I’m excited about supporting local people with new ideas for community-led activities. It’s great to get to know all the existing neighbourhood networks, and to see how passionate and committed many locals are about their areas.” 

So there you have it! If you’d like to be a bit more active but aren’t sure where to start, get in touch with this brilliant bunch who can help you on your way. Find their email addresses here.