Residents at a Springboard sheltered housing scheme for older people in Colchester have enjoyed a free six-week health and wellbeing programme, thanks to a partnership between Springboard (part of Genesis Housing Group) and Colchester United Community Sports Trust.

The 'Get up and Go' sessions, which ended this week, were designed to provide an opportunity for people over 55 at Five Fields Court and St Edmunds House in the Greenstead estate to have a health and wellbeing programme designed specifically for them. Activities included strengthening bones and muscles, boosting energy, and improving relaxation while having fun.

Each Tuesday residents enjoyed 40 minutes of chair-based exercises in addition to specialist dietary, oral health, and brain fitness advice, plus tips for relaxation from health professionals who came in to speak, some from Colchester PCT.

Colchester United Community Sports Trust has been awarded funds by Sport Essex to carry out a series of programmes in football clubs' communities. One of its goals is to help older people, through Age Concern, to kickstart regular improvements to their health and wellbeing.

Pam Formoy, aged 78, is a resident and participant in the programme. She said "I really enjoyed going to these sessions. It was a very friendly atmosphere and I managed to find I could do a bit better each week."

Diane Tribe, Senior Support Worker at Five Fields Court, said "We were delighted to be able to benefit from the Trust's help and advice. It's never too late to start leading a healthier life. We take the health of our customers very seriously and it's wonderful to see them having some fun with it too."

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Picture caption (l-r): Pam Formoy, Patricia Thom, Winifred Bailey, Gwendoline Marrett and Primrose Mason (Billie)

For further information about Genesis, please contact Diana Evans on 020 8150 4178 / email diana.evans@ghg.org.uk

For further information about Colchester United Community Sports Trust, please contact Angie Syrett on 01206 216403 or 01206 572378 / email Asyrett@cucst.org.uk

Notes to editors

Genesis Housing Group provides homes and services to tens of thousands of people across London and the south east. The Group consists of PCHA, Pathmeads and Springboard housing associations. It also has a charitable foundation, Genesis Community, and is one of the largest and most diverse housing groups in the UK. Genesis Housing Group owns and/or manages more than 38,000 homes across London and the south east. Its overiding aim is to put customers first and provide excellent service to all.