A SCHEME to get older Wokingham residents moving has been declared a local hero.
Get Berkshire Active has given Wokingham Borough Council’s Moving with Confidence programme a physical activity hero award.
The awards were given to individuals, organisations, charities, schools, community groups and sports clubs that have positively impacted others in the county last year.
Cllr Parry Batth, executive member for environment and leisure said that he is “delighted” with the recognition.
Moving with Confidence first launched as a pilot scheme in 2020 and gaining funding from the borough council in February last year.
“We saw an increase in older residents who were deteriorating physically due to covid restrictions keeping them indoors and less mobile,” Cllr Batth explained.
“There was an increase in associated risks such as falls, loss of muscle strength and declining confidence going out and about.”
The programme helps residents to recondition through low-intensity, strengthening exercises which help them to build their confidence and become more mobile.
Since receiving funding last year, it has helped 157 people. The scheme works with referral partners including Age UK Berkshire and the Link Visiting Scheme.
Cllr Batth added that the scheme has helped to improve the physical activity, mental health and wellbeing of participants.
“We support residents to lead happy, healthy lives, while nurturing communities,” he said.
Now in its 10th year, Get Berkshire Active is a charity which aims to transform lives through sport and physical activity.
