Dover
£400
Boxercise
Older People
Organisation Overview:
The Riverside Centre is an independent local charity hub for the residents of Dover. Their dedicated staff and volunteers enable them to offer a range of services in Dover and the surrounding rural areas such as social opportunities, activities, and lunches as well as other essential services for the whole community.
Project Overview:
The Riverside Centre set up an over 50’s Boxercise session running once a week at the Community Hub. The aim was to add additional services into the hub and be able to offer more to the community, welcoming clientele who have different abilities. The small grant covered the costs of hiring the space and an instructor to deliver the sessions.
The centre worked in partnership with TKO Boxing who are based in Folkestone. The organisation has experience in delivering Boxercise sessions in other locations. The instructors are fully qualified and provide a friendly, professional service.
Organisation Impact:
- Helped develop new relationships with local organisations
- Offered more opportunities for clients to be active
- Catered for clients with different abilities
- Increased confidence to deliver physical activity sessions
Community Impact:
- Increased social interaction
- Improved physical and mental health
- Helped clients connect with their local community
- Increased confidence in being active
“These classes reduce stress, boost confidence, and help foster a sense of community”. Louisa Woodward, Centre Manager
Challenges:
When the centre originally set up the sessions, they were working with a different instructor but due to the instructor’s personal circumstances they were unable to continue. With some help and recommendations, a solution was found. The sessions are well underway and proving to be a great benefit to the community.
Key Learnings:
Promotion is key. Lots of promotion is required to ensure word gets out about the sessions. Use methods such as leaflets, newsletters, social media and word of mouth.
Accessibility. Spend time making the facility accessible for all. Ask people what they need and reassure them that the session and facility can cater for their needs.
Positive Experiences. Make the sessions fun and enjoyable. People want to feel a sense of achievement. Be social and have a laugh so exercise does not feel like a chore.
“This is an affordable option for people to access an alternative to traditional gyms, making fitness more inclusive and accessible”. Louisa Woodward, Centre Manager
Next Steps:
The Riverside Centre aims to grow their services and expand what they offer to support as many people as possible. They look forward to continuing their partnership with TKO Boxing. To find out about The Riverside Centre and what they offer, please visit Riverside Centre Dover | Where age is just a number.