New Activity Coordinator aims to get County Durham moving
Age UK County Durham’s commitment to help County Durham’s older population stay active has been helped by the appointment of an Activity Coordinator to lead its Communities in Motion programme.
Sharon Gooch, 54 from Sedgefield, is now working across the county to help people access activities and exercise. She commented: “Our aim is to make it easy for the older members of our communities to access appropriate exercise. We’re working closely with Durham County Council and others to map where the need is greatest, filling in the gaps so that there is provision and support across the whole county.
“One initial event, at Wilton Castle, saw 12 people try kayaking. What started as an introduction to a new sport, became a social occasion for the participants. It’s great that such an activity has the added benefit of social connection.”
Communities in Motion is aiming to reach residents in County Durham aged 65 and over with a range of free or low cost exercise opportunities. In October, Sharon is launching free seated exercise classes in Seaham as well as Dance Fitness Classes in Shildon. Anyone interested in finding out more or signing up should contact Age UK County Durham on 0191 386 3856 or email info@ageukcountydurham.org.uk.
She added: “When you hear someone say ‘I was never able to do this before’ you know that the exercise is having an impact, and the more people who can access exercise in their community, the healthier our older generation will be.”
Before joining Age UK County Durham, Sharon was a Health and Wellbeing Coach for Stockton Primary Care Network. She is also a fitness instructor and has been teaching classes for more than 15 years.
Communities in Motion is a national campaign funded by the London Marathon Foundation, and delivered in County Durham by Age UK County Durham. Age UK County Durham is the ‘go to’ organisation for anyone aged 50 or over living in County Durham. It is a stand-alone registered charitable organisation, and a brand partner of Age UK.
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