Chair-Based Exercise Classes Help With Health And Wellbeing Of Local Residents

Retirement residents are benefiting from £2,700 Community Chest Funding from Platform Housing Group through regular chair-based exercise classes.

Residents at Denefields Court and Victoria Court in Matlock take part in weekly sessions held by Freedom Leisure, a not-for-profit charitable leisure and cultural trust with their mission being to ‘improve lives through leisure.’

The sessions are aimed at improving flexibility, balance, coordination, and overall well-being, and helping to reduce falls. Residents also enjoy the social aspect which is another benefit of the sessions as they help in reducing isolation.

John, one of the residents said: “I've come to rely on these sessions. It helps free up my shoulders and neck and helps keep me moving.”

Marion Duffy, Platform Housing Group’s Chief Operations Officer said, “It’s wonderful to hear that Platform’s Community Chest Funding is enabling residents to attend these fun exercise classes which are supporting their general health and wellbeing.

“Research shows that seated exercise can help build healthier muscles and bones, and improve posture, flexibility and balance; things that are vitally important to our older residents to help them maintain their independence.”

Alistair Gould, Area Manager - Freedom Leisure, Derbyshire Dales said, “Our mission at Arc Leisure Matlock is simple - to improve lives through leisure. We are delighted that the support provided by Platform Housing Group has enabled us to deliver this through the provision of chair-based exercise classes, firstly at Underhall and now at Denefields and Victoria Court.

“The impact of this work goes beyond supporting residents with their physical health, providing them with the opportunity to come together to socialise and improve their mental well-being."

Platform customers and local charities, clubs and other not-for-profit organisations can apply for Community Chest Funding if their work or project directly benefits local Platform customers. All applications are assessed against specific eligibility criteria by customers who sit on their Customer Experience Panel.

Local community groups can find out more and apply for Platform’s Community Chest Funding here.