Swale
£490
Armchair Yoga
The Project:
Friendly Faces of Kent
is a dedicated, welcoming charity supporting adults experiencing the effects of loneliness and isolation. Professionals, support workers and volunteers support adults through a group centre approach offering sessions that promote and encourage members to reconnect with the wider community.
Funding was used for yoga equipment and a yoga instructor to deliver a 6-week outdoor yoga programme at their Wellbeing Community Hub at Rushenden on the Isle of Sheppey. Sessions were targeted at members with long-term health conditions to help them move more, feel better in themselves and socialise.
Organisational Impact:
- Helped increase organisations confidence to deliver sport and physical activity
- Helped attract new participants
- Helped offer new opportunities for people to be active
Community Impact:
- Helped individuals connect with their local community
- Helped individuals manage their mental health
- 95% of individuals said they would like to continue being active
“It extended beyond physical interaction as it became a place to meet new people in the community where people made connections, aiding their mental wellbeing”.
Friendly Faces of Kent
Key Learnings:
Think about the weather: Unfortunately, we can’t control the British weather. Make sure you have back up options for outdoor activities, this could be an indoor space or setting up a gazebo to keep the worst of the weather out.
Accessibility is important: Make sure your activities are inclusive for all and you understand the needs of your participants. The garden area of the Hub had a step which was inaccessible for some, the group have now introduced a ramp so is accessible to all.
Next Steps:
The end of project feedback form indicated that 95% wanted to carry on with the class, Friendly Faces have asked for a financial contribution from participants to cover costs. Participants also indicated they wanted to do more armchair classes, short walks, challenges and swimming which the charity will look to put on for their members.