‘Dance to Health’, a new, free health and fitness programme for older people, has begun in Sheffield this month.
Falls are extremely traumatic for older people: the ‘Dance to Health’ programme helps to prevent the risk of falling by improving participants’ balance and flexibility. Combining evidence-based physiotherapy with the creativity and energy of dance, these gentle exercise classes also aim to provide an engaging, sociable way of staying fit and mobile.
The sessions are led by fully trained dance professionals, and are tailored to the needs and requirements of those participating. After each session there is an opportunity to relax and catch up with other members over a cup of tea.
Developed by Aesop, an arts charity and social enterprise, ‘Dance to Health’ is working in partnership with Yorkshire Dance and the NHS Sheffield Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG). Treating falls currently costs the NHS £2.3 billion per year: as well as benefitting thousands of older people across the UK, the ‘Dance to Health’ programme has also proved to be a financially sustainable model which will reduce costs across NHS services.
Dr Anthony Gore, Sheffield GP and Clinical Director for Care Outside of Hospital at NHS Sheffield CCG, said: “We are delighted to be involved with ‘Dance to Health’ and the opportunity to use an innovative and creative way to engage older people, increase their mobility and reduce falls. We hope this will be the start of a long and successful partnership arrangement with Yorkshire Dance and Aesop.”
Karen Hamilton, ‘Dance to Health’ Head of Programme at Aesop said: “We are excited to be working with NHS Sheffield CCG, who have embraced our aim of offering ‘Dance to Health’ to a wide range of communities in the city. We look forward to working together to facilitate healthier lifestyles.
“We’re also pleased to develop our relationship with Yorkshire Dance, who shares our commitment to improving health and wellbeing through dance. Together we look forward to seeing the sessions being shaped by older people in the community.”
Wieke Eringa, Artistic Director and CEO of Yorkshire Dance, also said: “We’re delighted to be able to add a falls-prevention programme to our work - it's a significant boost to our efforts in providing beneficial, creative and fun dance activities for older adults.”
Dance to Health is now running free weekly sessions in three different locations across Sheffield. Sessions last for 60 – 90 minutes, with 30 minutes afterwards for refreshments. The sessions are designed for both male and female participants, and no dance experience is necessary.
If you, or someone you know is interested in joining, please call Nesreen Shah, Dance to Health Coordinator Sheffield on 01993 870 159, email NesreenShah@ae-sop.org or visit www.dancetohealth.org/Yorkshire
Why not pop along to one of the sessions at:
Saint Augustine’s Church
Brocco Bank,
Sheffield
S11 8RQ
Weekly sessions start on Wednesday 3rd January 2018
10am-12pm
Stocksbridge Community Leisure Centre
Moorland Drive
Sheffield
S36 1EG
Weekly sessions start on Monday 8th January 2018
10am-12pm
Verdon Street Recreation Centre
Verdon Street
Sheffield
S3 9QS
Weekly sessions Start on Thursday 11th January 2018
10am-12pm