Last year Active Halton brought inclusive and engaging activities to residents of Halton and in particular to Murdishaw care home. Active Halton’s Active Me sessions are all about promoting physical activity in our communities.
The sessions not only helped residents be active, they also supported people’s mental health and in some case, changed lives for the better! The team behind Active Me and the Let’s Get Murdishaw Moving project were dedicated to promoting the many benefits of physical activity with each resident and have seen some fantastic results.
Find out more about Active Halton sessions and how you can get involved by clicking here.
Take a look at some of the residents’ stories and how these sessions have impacted their lives:
Dharini’s story
“Meeting new people has raised me up from the hole I had gone down. I look forward to the gentle exercise sessions and active bingo so much, it has brought me out of my depression.”
What was Your Starting Point?
I lost my husband last December; we had been married for 49 years; it was like losing an arm. I had stayed at home depressed for 6-months, most days I just stayed in bed unable to face the world. Friends did try to get me to come out, but I found the grief too difficult. My health conditions were getting worse; I have arthritis and sciatica they really restrict my movements and cause pain. Injections for pain did not help and went to see MSK cats, they suggested I lose weight to help my knees and mobility. I cannot stand for very long so my options for exercise are quite limited. I saw a Facebook post from Halton Borough Council about chair based – active bingo in the Tea tree café and thought I should try it to help my knees.
Actions Taken:
I spoke to Paula on the phone who was extremely helpful and all I had to do is turn up and give it a go. I got a taxi and went along to active bingo, “I loved it, it is fantastic”! Everybody was so friendly and helpful. People took care of me, and the exercises are achievable as you are encouraged to work at your own pace and only do what exercises are suitable for you. My neighbour told me about Halton Community Transport, and they bring me and take me home every week. They are so lovely, they know me when I call and really look after me, they also take me to my medical appointments and help me get on and off the bus.
Achievements:
My brother who lives in America was really worried about me, but now he knows I am in good hands. Paula runs a wonderful class, it has become an extremely popular class because people who try it, love it. I am so happy to be part of it, my leg strength is improving and I’m walking a little more. I am feeling more confident and I’m happy to be out of the house with lovely people. I have made friends in active bingo; I was invited to meet up for lunch with another lady after just 1-week and Santosh also keeps in touch to make sure I am okay and brought me food when my kitchen was being refurbished. Six months ago, I would have been at home in my pyjamas, but now I am enjoying life.
Edna’s story
“At age 69 this project was a kick-start for me; it changed my way of thinking and motivated me to get off the sofa and get moving. I am so grateful for this project, it can save lives.”
What was Your Starting Point?
In recent years with many health problems I haven’t moved enough, I did not have the motivation. I met Paula in the GP practice where I was waiting for my appointment, and we chatted about the Let’s Get Murdishaw Moving project and I realised that this could be life saving for me. I tried a gentle chair-based taster class with Paula who had given me health advise. It was in my GP surgery, so I thought it was a trustworthy choice for me. Paula told me about the new sessions at the Tea Tree café. I just needed to turn-up! Give it a go! Thankfully, I did go along and found the people and the activity more than suitable. It is great to meet new people; I have found the sessions really do benefit me.
Actions Taken:
I have tried most of the taster sessions including Yoga, Tai chi, Chair exercise, chair Zumba and Active bingo. I come along to active bingo every week now, I meet lots of different people of all different ages, everyone is so friendly. As well as exercise we have a natter and a cuppa, but most importantly it gets us off the sofa and out the house so we can lead a healthier way of life and enjoy it. I used to see the Health Walks group sometimes setting off for their walk from the GP practice, and although they waved and said come and join us, I didn’t, but now I attend the health walks too, its amazing, one thing leads to another and life is now so much better. Paula chats about ideas for moving more and gives health advise, I purchased my own exercise band so I can do exercises at home, and I feel so much better for it.
Achievements:
The sessions are great for my Mind & Body; I have more friends and a better healthier lifestyle. My social life is now much better; I am out chatting and laughing instead of sat at home. I have noticed my strength and posture is improving. I initially lost a couple of pounds which was great, the new lifestyle makes me eat a little healthier too. I look forward to continuing this new lifestyle as I see friends I used to work with in a nursing home, and they are struggling to walk and bend etc. I do not want to end up like that, so I will keep going. Long may it continue!
Barbara’s story
“The activities help you get on with life, it is too easy to sit at home and do nothing, I am a healthier happier person now.”
What was Your Starting Point?
The MacMillan nurses always told me when my husband was poorly to keep in touch with friends and get out of the house. I went out for lunch every Friday with Sally and I joined the Health Walks group in Murdishaw many years ago because it was advertised in the Doctors.
Walking and chatting seemed an activity that would suit me. I met new people and now four of us meet up every week to socialise and I know I can call on them if I feel low. I heard about Active Bingo from our walks group as we often visit the Tea tree café after our walk.
Actions Taken:
I tried Active Bingo, and I love it! It is not too strenuous or too serious! We have a good laugh because it is very sociable and doesn’t feel like a serious exercise class. The café is very friendly, it’s done me the world of good, it is so sociable, and it gets me out.
Achievements:
I feel so much better for coming along, I look forward to my Tuesdays every week. It is an activity that helps keep your body moving and I do feel the benefits. I have learnt some of the exercises now and I use a tin of soup at home to do the exercises. I also do some balance
exercises at home as Paula gave me a sheet of exercises I can do at home. I am stronger as I can now lift my garden pots and bench without asking for help. The combination of exercise, fun and the social element is a winner.