Date issued: 21 August 2018
Leisure World Colchester is thrilled to announce its FREE dementia friendly activity sessions are continuing from 5 September until end of December 2018, for people living with dementia and their carers.
Sessions will be starting again on 5 September, running every Wednesday afternoon during school term-time. Participants will be able to enjoy activities they love or try something new – all in a safe and supportive environment.
The sessions continue to be funded by the iBCF (Improved & Better Care Fund) North East Essex Transformation Fund following Leisure World's successful bid in February 2018 to provide activities aimed at customers with, or at risk of developing, dementia.
Dementia affects a huge number of people across the UK. Over 1,250 were diagnosed in Colchester last year. Physical exercise can help in a number of ways, from boosting mood and confidence to improving strength, balance and the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks. Some studies have shown that exercise may also improve memory and slow the progress of dementia.
Participants can enjoy table tennis and badminton from 1-3pm, while the Fitness Pool hosts swimming under the guidance of qualified instructors from 2.30-3.30pm.
You can dance the afternoon away, with Tea Dances from 1-3pm on 5, 9 and 12 September, 3, 17 and 31 October, 7 and 21 November and the 5 December – with free light refreshments provided too.
Then sing along or just enjoy listening to the music at the Song and Memories sessions on 26 Sept, 10 October, 14 and 28 November and 12 December.
Cllr Nick Barlow, Colchester Borough Council Portfolio Holder for Commercial Services, said: “There is evidence people stop doing the things they've always loved when they’ve had a dementia diagnosis.
“Our supportive sessions at Leisure World enable people to continue to be active - whether that’s swimming, badminton, dancing or any other form of physical activity they use our centres for.”
Leisure World Colchester is working in partnership with a number of organisations including Community360, an independent registered charity, who will provide transport for participants to access these activities. Please call 01206 216600 to obtain further information and to book your transport.
Tracy Rudling, Chief Executive Officer of Community360, said: “We chair the Dementia Action Alliance, so for us this is an essential forward thinking project where everyone has the right and choice to be included in activities.
“It is really important to give people the ability to take part in the community and for us to ensure that the environment is right for them to do that. It is essential that we work in partnership to do this. No one agency has the answer or can do this alone, so we are really excited to be part of this initiative.”
All Dementia Friendly sessions are FREE until the end of December 2018. After this date, activities will be chargeable. There is no need to book, just turn up and take part. For more information, please call 01206 282000 or visit colchesterleisureworld.co.uk/dementia-friendly-activities.
These Dementia sessions are just one of the activities Leisure World provides to ensure there are opportunities suitable for and attractive to everyone to get active. These range from ladies-only swimming sessions and specific exercise programmes for people with long-term health conditions, to Tea Dance’s which engage older men and women in sport.
The free dementia activities at Leisure World Colchester support the Better Colchester Campaign to promote sport and health for Colchester residents.
Page last reviewed: 21 August 2018