DAWDON YOUTH AND COMMUNITY CENTRE

We are looking for funding which will allow up to continue and build ‘Fitness Fun’

Four months ago we launched ‘Fitness Fun’ (Fun exercise group for all ages) Aimed at promoting physical activity and social contact helping to combat isolation and loneliness which can be exacerbated with advancing age and life events. Physical health and mental health are closely linked, so physical activity can be very beneficial for our mental health and wellbeing too. We realise that social isolation can also make it harder for people to to take control of their health without a network of support. Fitness fun is designed to motivate beneficiaries to remain socially and physically active. Sessions combine exercise with walking and ending with a chat and a cuppa.The group is run by the centre manager who is a qualified run leader and sessional worker with a diploma in Dance and Gymnastics (progression award trained).

Twenty five beneficiaries have attended over the past four months and 16 of which through teamwork and dedication completed a ‘Couch to 5K’ trail race. All have reported feeling Healthier, closer to others , being more optimistic and were dealing with problems well.

Health issues in many who attend on a regular basis have improved greatly. One consultant of a 72 year old member suffering from Asthma, Arthritis, Angina and excess weight issues reported a vast improvement in ‘Peak Flow’ which he attributed directly to exercise and weight loss.