The idea
Stepping Back2Health is a community fitness programme for people over 55 years.
We combine evidenced based Strength & Balance fitness exercises, to enable seniors to continue to live more active, healthier and independently in later-life.
The sessions are led by passionate local instructors who have been fully trained and qualified in specialist Falls Prevention Exercise methods. Postural Stability Instructions (PSI) Level 4.
Many seniors are now looking forward to getting back to improving their health and fitness levels following the Pandemic. With everyone's help, together we can ensure they are given the opportunity to once again socialise together in their own communities to enhance their physical health and wellbeing.
Stepping Back2Health is managed by PAL Fitness Education, a not-for-profit community interest company (PAL CIC), which means that any profit made will be reinvested back into the company for the benefit of older people.
What we'll deliver
- 1. Live Zoom Sessions - customers low risk of falling or shielding
- 2. Community Group Exercise Classes
- 3. Home 1:1 Exercise - for those with poor mobility/unable to leave home.
- 4. Menu of options - classes catering for different abilities to meet the needs of the community.
Why it's a great idea
The Project will bring the following benefits to:
1. Users
(I) Improved balance, mobility, coordination, muscle strength and reaction time.
(ii) Increased aerobic capacity, bone density and functional fitness
(iii) Reduced likelihood of falls and sustaining injuries from falls
(iv) Improved mental and physical wellbeing from associating with peers to combat isolation and loneliness.
2. Local Services
(I) Reduction in GP workloads - less frequent visits to surgery by users, allowing GPs to concentrate more on medical issues.
(ii) Reduction in Emergency admission - less users falling, leading to less:
(a) ambulance call outs and admissions to A&E.
(b) reduction in hip fracture operations and hospital bed occupancy.
3. Community Facilities - increase in users confidence and mobility should see increase use of local amenities (i.e. community centres, church halls, greenspaces, shops, local transport etc.).
Steps to get it done
- 1. Create online enrollment option on website
- 2. Identify PSI Instructor to deliver sessions
- 3. Identify and secure suitable venues for community delivery
- 4. Promote marketing and awareness to wider communities
- 5. Commence Delivery (Online & face-to-face)
- 6. Review and Monitor impact
- 7. Collate testimonials and feedback for Evaluation
This is a new Project. The previous programme was decommissioned in 2020, due to the Pandemic and lack of funding. This triggered the formation of P.A.L CIC, in an attempt to ensure the service continues and becomes sustainable.
There is a huge demand for the service. P.A.L. CIC has already been approached by a number of BAME communities, faith groups, GP social prescribers, carers etc., all looking to refer and signpost their members into our service.
