United Reform Church - Workington

Project Title: Physical Activity for Older Adults

Funding Received: £1375

Project Outline:

The Workington United Reform Church is a social hub for members of the local community, many of whom have seen a huge reduction in physical activity participation during the Covid pandemic. Those who attend the Church are mostly Older Adults whose ages range from 55-92, are otherwise socially isolated, suffer from long term physical and cognitive health conditions, and are reluctant to re-engage in physical activity in gyms or other unfamiliar settings due to nervousness around the lingering pandemic and reluctance to engage with unfamiliar surroundings.

Consultation with the group at the regular Wednesday coffee morning has shown that there is a strong demand for a physical activity group at the Church led by a suitable instructor.

This funding will help support 30 sessions of 60 minutes weekly at 1.30pm on Monday afternoons, beginning 6^th March 2023, delivered by Fit4Life, with attendance estimated at 15-20 participants. In addition to delivery Fit4Life will prepare and provide a resource detailing a simple 20-minute strength and mobility programme tailored to the audience which participants will be encouraged to practise at home twice per week in addition to the in-person session. 40 Pilates bands, one each of low and medium resistance for each of the 20 participants, is included to enable this home-exercise to happen.

The sessions will help initiate engagement with the group, providing an introduction back into a routine of healthy movement and good physical habits within a friendly, familiar setting.