Leicester residents aged 55 and over gathered at the Afro Caribbean Centre in Leicester last week to take part in a lively and inclusive seated exercise activity, aimed at promoting health, wellbeing, and community connection.
The event, held on 6th June, brought together people from across the city for a fun, low-impact fitness session designed to encourage active lifestyles in a supportive and social environment.
Picture credit: Royal Voluntary Service
The free activity is part of First Time for Everything, a community health and well-being programme designed by Royal Voluntary Service. First Time for Everything is supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery and gives people opportunities to try something new for free, to socialise and be active, particularly those who might be older or less mobile.
Natalia Gonzalez from The Fitness Bank was the tutor and introduced participants to a range of exercises and movements that they could do whilst seated to create an effective and low-impact workout suitable for all.
The First Time for Everything programme was launched in 2017. Since then, and with support from Royal Voluntary Service volunteers, over 1,000 First Time for Everything events have taken place across Great Britain. More than 15,200 people have come along to date to try new activities like hot yoga, group singing, open water swimming, forage walking, chocolate making and line dancing. According to a recent participant survey, 97% of respondents said they felt happier after attending a First Time for Everything event, and 93% felt more connected to their local community.
Laura Chow, Head of Charities, People’s Postcode Lottery, said, “Being active, getting out and about and feeling part of the local community are important for health and wellbeing, no matter what our age, ability or circumstances. With generous support from players of People’s Postcode Lottery, ‘First Time for Everything’ brings local people together to try something new, to meet new people and have fun.”
Hyacinth, a participant from Leicester, said, “It was a very energetic session – I felt so much better after. It was good to do movement, that I could keep up with.”
Mary Cufflin, Royal Voluntary Service activity co-ordinator for Leicester, said: “Thanks to the generous support of players of People’s Postcode Lottery, we have all sorts of exciting First Time for Everything activities for local people to try this year. Participants tell us how much they enjoy trying something new and chatting with new people at these events – they do make a difference to people’s lives.”
The next event will be a Beginners Bollywood session on Monday July 7th at 12:30 at Age UK in Leicester.
To register for a place at First Time for Everything events or for more information, contact Royal Voluntary Service activity coordinator Mary Cufflin, on tel: 07771641113, email: mary.cufflin@royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk Booking for all events is essential as places are limited.
