Project Title: Activate South Lakes Housing - Tyson Square Residents

Funding Received: £800 (Phase 4: 1 April 22 - 31 March 23)

Project Outline: 

During the Covid-19 pandemic residents were unable to access the communal lounge and their usual activities stopped. Residents that previously used to go for walks independently in the local area stopped doing them and have struggled to re-start. The reduction in activity has resulted in a loss of fitness, increased weight, reduced mobility, and low confidence.

Following an ‘Activate’ taster session and a resident’s consultation the group decided they would like to have an instructor come to the communal space on a weekly basis to deliver an exercise and games session.

Project Aims:

• To deliver activity within their accommodation to help them start to increase their activity levels in a known environment with friends.
• To support residents by providing a session onsite to ensure accessibility for those with limited  mobility and finances and those with less confidence to attend classes in town.
• The ensure the residents have access to a set of equipment to keep for the duration of this project and beyond to help them continue to be active.
• Using a trusted provider to deliver the sessions to help them to participate confidently and safely. The instructors can show them how to use a variety of equipment to keep those that attend interested and active.
• To bring back fun into their lives with the activities, encouraging interaction and improved mobility.

In the long term, by increasing their social interaction, mobility, and confidence through these weekly sessions – it is hoped that they will be able to physically and confidently to then participate in other activities which are available in Ulverston, such as Move for Health sessions and those aimed at older adults at the nearby venues.

Funding received:

South Lakes Housing received £800 from the Together Fund. This was for the Tyson Square resident to purchase some activity equipment (Activate) kit to purchase and keep as well as for 12 sessions to be delivered by a local provider HP Activities.

Feedback Results:

• 67% felt the project helped them manage their mental health.

• 100% felt the project helped them manage their physical health.

Some participants final comments:

Sustainability & Next Steps:

At the end of the 12 sessions the residents decided they would like to continue the sessions independently now that they have the kit to use. A couple of the residents have taken a ‘lead’ role in organising a weekly activity session. Having the sessions in their own lounge is a good option especially as we head into winter with colder weather making it more challenging to venture further afield.

HP Activities plan to drop in on the residents to see how they are getting on in the new year. Active Cumbria will continue to liaise with residents and South Lakes Housing about their weekly sessions and keep them informed about other activities which are available in Ulverston, such as walks, Move for Health sessions and any other activities aimed at older adults at nearby venues.