Keeping Active in Lockdown

When we found out that the Country was entering lockdown, and our community activity sessions would be suspended we knew that we had to adjust our working model to ensure we could still reach our communities and keep people active and less isolated.

We were able to set up a YouTube page, Active Life for a Healthier You, and our amazing instructors commited to providing free activity sessions every week for everyone to access.

We had several programmes where we supported particular groups and were able to offer phone calls, bespoke videos and online sessions to ensure that they had access to the specialist programmes we offer. This included dementia sessions, carers, Trim & Train and volunteer support.

It was, and is, vital at this time to keep communicating with as many people as possible, with this in mind we developed the She's Ready, Lets Chat podcast. Offering information and insight into Active Life, its's tutors and programmes, we have launched across various podcast players to ensure the widest possible reach.

When the lockdown eased to allow pods of upto 6 people to meet outside, socially distanced, we have been offering (in addition to the above still being delivered) silent disco sessions in Chalkwell Park. Using specialist headphones and transmitters we are able to lead sessions without disturbing other people enjoying the open space. These sessions have been hugely successful with people feedback with quotes like the following:

just to say thank you so much for organising the classes, so lovely to see you all again - Susie

Thank you to all you lovely ladies for all the effort you put into the classes. I love seeing each of you on different days and different times that suite my day. Keep up the good work of keeping us healthy xx - lila

I am enjoying the sessions and can find several to do most days thank you for posting these sessions enjoy Michelle and Lindsey and trying to keep in step with Jenny’s zumba - Jayne

Just done my first Silent session . wow it was amazing, so much fun! Thank you for organising - Sheila

Yoga on the beach - what a great start to me day. Thank you Tina

Thank you to all the team for keeping me going. It has been so tough being at home, but I love seeing your updates. Can't wait to see you all again-Anne

Active Life is commited to offering physical activity sessions to the wider community, and we have adpated our delivery in this new way to ensure that everyone can still keep active with us. We hope to return to 'normal' as soon as it is safe to do so, but until then we will continue to offer as much as we can.

We are so proud of our instructors and coordinators who have donated much of their time for free, at at a time when income has all but vanished, as a not for profit community interest company, we have mobilised quickly and efficiently with little financial support.

For further information please head to our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/ActiveLifeforahealthieryou/ or our Instagram page ActiveLifeEssex