THE FIRST open Love to Move exercise class for those living with dementia in Barnsley was a “huge success” according to organisers.
Dozens of care home residents, community members, healthcare professionals and churchgoers turned up for the free session, which took place at Staincross Methodist Church.
Love to Move, a British Gymnastics Foundation programme run in Barnsley by the Barnsley Primary Care Network, is designed to get older people moving and functioning better.
It also aims to improve the lives of those living with dementia through social interaction, memory stimulation, and the use of foundation gymnastic skills to develop coordination, balance, core strength and flexibility.
The open session in Barnsley was also an opportunity for participants to socialise, make new friends, and speak to specialists about available support in the town.
It was run in partnership with Deangate Care Home and Rev Claire Rawlinson, from Barnsley Methodist Circuit.
Rachael Addy, activities coordinator at Deangate Care Home, was one of the organisers and will now be training as a Love to Move facilitator, funded by the Hill Care Group, which operates the care home.
She said: “The session was amazing. A huge success. Janice Starkey, our current Love to Move deliverer, was spectacular. She didn’t miss a single beat throughout the session.
“I’m happy to say that I will be training as a Love to Move deliverer, which should enable us to do more sessions in the community and around our sister homes, showing them the benefits for their residents and the outside community.
“I’d like to add a massive thank you to Reverend Clair Rawlinson, who came down to show support and take part, and the Methodist Church for letting us use their hall.”