Local Charity ActivLives has been supported by Suffolk Community Foundation and the East of England Co-op Cares Fund to develop the ‘Keep on Moving Project’, running four 12 – week seated exercise programmes in different areas of Ipswich and East Suffolk.

The first of these will be held on Thursday 8 September at Kirton Church Hall, 3 Church Lane, Kirton, IP10 0PU from 10am – 12 noon for people aged 55 years and over.

The first session will be a ‘FREE taster’ for people to meet some of ActivLives staff and ‘have a go’ at this very beneficial and fun activity, particularly for people with mobility issues, who want to keep active and socialise with others. There will be plenty of time for a cuppa and a chat to find out more about the project, the following 11 sessions and the wide range of activities that ActivLives delivers. On-going sessions will cost £4.00 a session, including refreshments.

Jemma Prentice, ActivLives Step by Step Co-ordinator said, ‘This type of exercise can really help people to improve their flexibility and range of movement, help with circulation and breathing, increase muscle strength and improve joint stiffness and pain. Some of the exercise we include will help with balance and will help people who may have lost confidence with their mobility, perhaps due to the lockdowns or other health conditions they may experience. The exercise also helps with co-ordination, increasing confidence and helps reduce stress and anxiety. We also have a laugh…. At the end of the sessions there will be time to socialise over a cuppa.”

Sessions are run by qualified fitness instructors and supported by volunteers who help with registration and the refreshments. If you would like to become a volunteer and support these new sessions, then please contact Jemma or Julie. If the sessions are successful, then ActivLives will look to extend the activity after the 12 – weeks.

To find out more information about the Kirton sessions and others being planned in Shotley, Ipswich and Felixstowe contact ActivLives Office on 01473 345350.