How a community-based seated exercise programme is helping older adults stay active, build confidence and connect with others.
At Terrington St Clement Methodist Church, Active Norfolk has worked with partners to support a programme of seated exercise classes, giving local older adults the opportunity to enjoy movement, improve their mobility and build friendships in a welcoming environment.
The response has highlighted the value of community-based activity that supports both physical health and social connection.
The Aim
The programme aimed to make physical activity more accessible to older adults in Terrington St Clement, particularly those who benefit from lower-intensity, seated exercise.
By providing free sessions in a familiar community venue, the project sought to create an opportunity for people to stay active at a level suited to their mobility, while enjoying the social benefits of taking part alongside others.
The Approach
Active Norfolk’s West Norfolk Active Communities Officer, Becky Gillick, secured £19,959 of Better Care Fund investment in partnership with the Integrated Care Board (ICB).
The funding supported exercise classes delivered by Alive West Norfolk at Terrington St Clement Methodist Church, alongside one-to-one support provided by Your Health Norfolk in people’s homes.
“These classes are fun and with people of similar mobility. My mobility is improving by doing the classes.”
Participant
Bringing the sessions into the heart of the community offered participants a local opportunity to take part in physical activity in a welcoming and familiar setting. The seated format helped make exercise accessible to people with different mobility needs, while the group sessions created space for conversation and new friendships to be formed.
Feedback from participants has reinforced the importance of these social connections, with people highlighting not only the exercise itself but also the enjoyment of meeting others and being part of a group.
The Outcomes
The programme recorded 173 attendances over a 12-week period, with a record number of 23 people attending one session. This demonstrates strong engagement with the local provision and the value of offering accessible activity close to home.
The positive response has helped secure the continuation of the seated exercise classes, with funding in place to support delivery until the end of the year.
Further discussions with the church are exploring a larger funding package that could extend the programme into 2027 and potentially 2028.
“The friendship, the music, the lovely instructor Christine, who makes it all fun. A welcome outlet for my husband from the local care home.”
Participant
“The best thing is getting to know local people.”
Participant
The project demonstrates how working in partnership to provide accessible, locally delivered physical activity can help older adults find opportunities to move more, enjoy social connection and feel part of their community.
Could your community benefit?
Does your community group support older adults who could benefit from low-intensity exercise, but lack suitable local opportunities? Active Norfolk would love to hear from you..
Becky Gillick
West Norfolk Active Communities Officer
Becky Gillick is our West Norfolk Active Communities Officer who secured the funding and oversaw the Terrington seated exercise programme. Get in touch discuss how we might be able to support your community.