People living in rural parts of East Suffolk are being given access to a series of strength and mobility exercise classes thanks to support from their local Community Partnership.
East Suffolk Council’s Melton, Woodbridge and Deben Peninsula Community Partnership has provided £6,500 in funding to support the delivery of six months of subsidised exercise classes which are open to older adults or people looking to build up their strength and mobility.
Run by Enable Fitness Ltd, the weekly classes focus on low impact exercise designed to challenge and support participants to stay strong, balanced and confident. The programme, which runs until August, reaches people living in villages with limited transport options in Eyke, Hollesley, Rendlesham and Tunstall. It aims to improve physical health, reduce age related risks, and is offered at a cost of £20 per month, with half of the cost covered by the Community Partnership.
Councillor Stephen Molyneux, Chair of the Melton, Woodbridge and Deben Peninsula Community Partnership said:
“Living in rural areas creates real challenges for our residents, with limited transport leaving many people cut off from activities and support close to home. With 44.5% of adults in our area not taking part in regular physical activity, we wanted to bring activities directly to them to support residents to stay active, mobile and to regain confidence. The programme also provides valuable social opportunities, promoting physical and mental wellbeing while building stronger community connections and reducing social isolation.”
Mathilde Pawsey, Director of Enable Fitness Ltd said:
“We are really grateful for the opportunity to work with the Community Partnership to provide our signature Strength and Mobility classes in rural villages. We are thrilled with how the classes have filled - clearly showing a real need for such health-based services in more isolated areas where 92% of class spaces have been filled!
“Our classes are designed as a long-term solution to support healthy ageing, helping older adults improve strength, balance, joint health and confidence in movement, alongside many other benefits. Just as importantly, they provide a fun and welcoming environment where participants can connect with like-minded people and enjoy the social side of staying active.
“The team have such fun delivering the classes and meeting attendees of all abilities and backgrounds. We’re excited about what lies ahead and we look forward to expanding our classes to more towns and villages across Suffolk.”
Tony Ferguson who has been coming to the class since it started in February said:
“As you get older balance becomes more important and we’ve got to take part in classes like this to keep moving. There’s a nice bunch of people in the class who I know from the village and it’s a social thing, so I hope to keep it up once the sessions finish.”
Gwyn Griffiths thinks the programme is making a real difference to her mobility, she said:
“Chloe is a very good instructor, and she pushes you to get the most out of the class. I feel a sense of improvement every week and I really enjoy it.”
The classes take place at:
• Eyke Village Hall on Fridays from 1.30pm to 2.30pm
• Hollesley Village Hall on Fridays from 11.30am to 12.30pm
• Rendlesham Community Centre on Tuesdays from 1pm – 2pm
• Tunstall Community Hall on Tuesdays from 3pm – 4pm
Once the funding ends the strength and mobility classes will continue at a cost of £35 per month, approximately £8.20 per class.
Find out further information about the classes. To book your place email mathilde@enablefitness.co.uk or call 07775631068.
Residents in Rendlesham can book a lift with Katch to get them from the doctors’ surgery or Bentwaters Park roundabout to the community centre. With an accessible lift and friendly drivers, Katch is a safe and easy way to get around. Journeys can be booked in advance online or by calling 01728 635 939 (Monday – Friday from 8.30am – 4.30pm).