Wallsend Salvation Army’s success with multigenerational exercise class

Towards the end of last year, Wallsend Salvation Army was successful in its bid for funding from the Active North Tyneside Community Fund.

The idea was a simple one, to set up a weekly exercise class to allow people to try different types of exercise and build connections between participants.

The class was set up specifically to be adaptable so people of all different ages and abilities could take part, including those with mobility and health concerns.

Each week the group had an average attendance of around 15 people aged from eight to 60+, making it a multi-generational class where friendships were formed.

Examples of the types of exercise included in the sessions includes boxercise, circuits, pilates and Metafit.

As a result of the classes, some participants who started doing chair-based exercise progressed to completing the class standing.

One regular attendee said: “I have enjoyed that the group caters for all ages and abilities. It has given me the opportunity to exercise alongside my daughter building on instilling the benefits of exercise for both physical health and mental wellbeing.”

If you are part of a local community group, organisation or charity who is interested in funding a programme to promote physical activity, you can apply for the Active North Tyneside Community Fund online.