Older people take the lead on getting fit and active
Herefordshire Council has been working with Age Concern on a unique project encouraging older people to lead exercise sessions and help others get fitter.
Thanks to SHAPES (South Herefordshire Activity, Promotion and Education Scheme), six Age Concern volunteers in Ross on Wye have successfully completed a course in health and fitness through the Open College Network (OCN). The course doesn't make the volunteers qualified instructors, but provides them with the skills to be able to lead gentle exercise classes for the older population within their communities. As a result a class has been set up at Aston Ingham Village Hall and new classes are being launched on the 10th April at the Ryefield Centre, Ross on Wye and Walford Village Hall.
Similar training has been undertaken in other parts of South Herefordshire and two staff from the Hollybush Children's Centre have trained to become fully qualified gym instructors and are able to hold their own sessions for all age ranges. In addition groups of adults with learning difficulties have also benefited from exercise training programmes.
Shirley Goodwin-Jones, SHAPES development officer with Herefordshire Council, said: "We are trying to make sure that all members of our society get the chance to exercise, stay healthy and have fun.
"You're never too old to get fit and active. Living a healthy lifestyle and exercising regularly improves quality of life and helps keep mobility problems in check as you get older. The exercise is gentle but fun and gives participants the chance to network with other people in their local communities..
"The great thing about this programme is that it encourages people to take control and lead groups in their own area where they have a greater understanding of what people want."
The six successful students will be presented with their certificates by Chris Hulbert, Chair of Ross on Wye Age Concern on Friday 14th March, 2.30pm at Age Concern, Broad Street, Ross on Wye.
Following the success of SHAPES, the council and its partners are trying to obtain funding to run similar projects in other parts of the county.
