Staying Active
Tees Valley Sport in partnership with Helmepark Consultants and Darlington Community Sports Network has being working hard on developing a programme of preferred exercise options for older adults. An opportunity arose to source funding from Department of Health for a short research programme. In the initial stages there were focus groups conducted with a variety of older adults from a public, private and voluntary sector organisation and focus groups conducted with care/support staff looked at what type of activities are the preferred option and what activities participants have taken part in through their lifetime.
Based on the outcomes of the focus groups an exercise specialist was appointed to design a programme of activities/exercises that would support in meeting the preferred options identified by participants/carers. Nominated staff from the three organisations were trained in delivering the activity programme now known as ‘Staying Active’. Once staff have been trained they have taken this back to their organisation to deliver to participants and investigated its success.
Final focus groups have been conducted again with participants and staff to gain feedback on how they have enjoyed the proposed programme of activity. The feedback received has been very positive and participants have identified that it is something that has motivated then to become active and they look forward to taking part each week. A full report of the outcomes of the Staying Active programme is being compiled and will be available in the near future. There is a hope that once the research has been completed this will support to inform and develop future programmes to be rolled out across the Tees Valley.
For more information please contact Jean Lordon or Gemma Saunders 01642 342287.
