Free seated exercise sessions across Stratford-on-Avon District described as 'irreplaceable'

Free activities across Stratford-on-Avon District to support older adults become more mobile have been described as 'irreplaceable'

Attendees have described the half-hour seated exercise sessions as 'extremely beneficial' to both physical and mental health.

Everyone Active, the operator of Stratford-on-Avon District Council's five leisure centres, secured funding earlier this year from Sport England to deliver activities to support older adults across the community to become more mobile.

Sessions are delivered in community venues in a group setting and are designed to improve mobility, fitness and wellbeing as well as help prevent falls. One attendee, 78-year-old Linda, benefits from the class and said: "I have osteoarthritis and have found an improvement in my movements."

Classes involve gentle chair-based exercises that focus on strengthening different muscles and joints.

Sessions are weekly at each venue and led by Everyone Active instructor, Steve Blake.

Susan Leaman is a regular attendee at the Graham Adams Centre in Southam and praised the class. Describing it as an 'rreplaceable provision' Susan said that, "after a lifetime of disability, multiple joint pain and immobility, this class has enabled me to find and move my muscles again."

"It is the only movement class suitable for myself. In addition to the physical benefits, this class has supported me with my mental health disabilities as a result of head injuries and two small strokes."

Joe Warren, Everyone Active's contract manager, said: "Getting out, getting active and meeting people has life-changing benefits for older people. Our members tell us these sessions help them improve their physical health and stay fit, but more than that, attending the sessions help sustain social connections and improve mental health.

"Stratford-on-Avon District is particularly large and rural and this funding has enabled us to take sessions out into the community and use venues closer to older residents.

"We are thrilled that the sessions have proved such a big hit so far and are making a real difference to the lives of attendees. New attendees are always welcome and those interested can simply turn up or if you'd like more information, get in touch."

Cllr Lorraine Grocott, Environmental and Neighbourhood Services Portfolio at Stratford-on-Avon District Council says: "Regular physical activity in later life is important for so many reasons and can make us feel better in so many ways. Everyone Active`s support of SDC's Active Communities Strategy 2019-2024 means that we are able to reach more people and provide opport

unities more locally, so that more people can feel the benefits and keep active.

"Seated exercise classes are another way of making sure that we are inclusive of all our community and take into account all abilities. Exercise increases energy, improves memory and can be a great means through which to socialise it also helps people to maintain their independence." 

Everyone Active's partner in the scheme, Think Active, administers the funding on behalf of Sport England to break barriers and create more inclusive opportunities for activity for everyone.

Abi Dixon, Think Active's Senior Partnership Manager, said: "It's brilliant to be able to support Everyone Active to be able to deliver these sessions.  Being active is one the best things you can do for your health and these sessions are invaluable in enabling people to come together, be active within their own community and contribute positively to their own physical and mental wellbeing."

Sessions take place at the following locations:

• Tuesdays at 10am: Harbury Village Hall
• Wednesdays at 2pm: Graham Adams Centre, Southam
• Wednesdays at 11am: Ettington Community Centre
• Thursdays at 1pm: Lighthorne Heath Village Hall
• Fridays at 3pm: Ken Kennett Centre, Stratford-upon-Avon

To find out more, click here to enquire.