Additional Stanmore exercise sessions added due to demand
A new district exercise class has proved so popular that the programme has been expanded.
Classes to improve strength and balance, help reduce falls and support the health and wellbeing of older adults aged 60+ have been taking place in the Winchester district in a variety of settings since last year.
A new Stanmore class was added to the weekly programme in January of this year in partnership with Move Momentum – and this class, which takes place at the Carroll Centre, has been so popular that a second has now been added.
Classes take place on Mondays from 1.30pm–2.30pm, and from 3pm–4pm, and participants’ first two sessions are free of charge.
Winchester City Council also launched sessions in its Sheltered Housing Schemes Eastacre, Normandy Court, Whitewings, Richard Moss House, King Harold Court and Hyde Lodge, in addition to seated yoga classes in Winchester Heights, Brendoncare, The Dower House and Westacre care homes.
Community sessions also take place in Weeke Community Centre and Chesil Lodge, and, working with Everyone Active, Winchester City Council also organised weekly community sessions at Wickham Community Centre and Whiteley Community Centre.
The classes have been supported by a grant from Hampshire County Council’s Live Longer Better programme, which is led locally in partnership with Energise Me. Live Longer Better helps older people find ways to live life to the full and keep doing what they love by making positive changes to maintain or improve their health.
Amanda Watkinson, CEO at Move Momentum, said: “The response to the new GEMS class was so incredible; it is wonderful that we have already been able to expand. We now have a total of 24 dancers, and it has been fantastic to see new faces finding their rhythm.
“These sessions offer much more than just movement; they are designed to support memory, mobility, and mood while building a community that truly lifts people up. Our goal is to help everyone stay active, independent, and most importantly, stay dancing. We're thrilled to be back dancing in Stanmore and welcoming lots of people to our community!”
Winchester City Council’s Cabinet Member for Healthy Communities Cllr Kathleen Becker said: “We are absolutely thrilled that these adaptive classes – which are suitable for participants with varied mobility levels - have been such a success, and that so many members of the local community are attending, enjoying what they offer and, importantly, having fun and socialising whilst keeping active.
“Physical activity has been shown to be really effective in helping to support independence and achieving the best possible quality of life for older people. As we age, keeping active isn’t just about movement – it’s about maintaining independence, confidence and quality of life.
“We are very grateful to Hampshire County Council for the opportunity to have implemented Live Longer Better in this way.”
Please visit https://www.winchester.gov.uk/sport/live-longer-better or email cdrummond@winchester.gov.uk for more information.