The people we support live healthy, active lives and have friends

Active lives; healthy minds

A year of lockdown has highlighted the importance of exercise for our mental as well as physical wellbeing. Across our communities, we’ve been working hard to find ways to keep fit and healthy.

On your bike!

Tadgh from Croft Community rediscovered a love of cycling during the first lockdown,having not ridden for several years. Support worker Sam became his cycling buddy, and together they explored the quiet Yorkshire lanes in the summer sunshine. One ride took them on a 12-mile trip to Castle Howard. ‘It was a real challenge, cycling so far on a hot day,’ said Tadgh. ‘But I’m glad I did it. Exercising makes me feel so much better - and I’m losing weight too!’ As well as cycling, Tadgh and his friends kept fit without leaving the house. Circuits around the garden, playing on the Wii and improving strength and mobility with a weighted rope and medicine ball have helped them to make the best of the extra time at home.

Mobility limitations don’t hold Matthew back!

Matthew loves being active, despite his limited mobility. With the help of Workshop Leader Chris, he explored the 140 acres of stunning landscapes around Oaklands Park while regular workshops were paused during lockdown. ‘Matthew owns a tandem bicycle,’ said Chris. ‘Over summer, we cycled on the estate roads and bridleways most afternoons, often stopping to pick plums and apples along the way.’ The traffic-free grounds mean that Oaklands Park is ideal for walking too. Another community member, Jonathon, enjoyed regular 5-mile rambles during lockdown, spotting wild boar and deer along the way.

Digital fitness

Across the Trust, our Opportunity TV sessions on Zoom have helped to keep people connected and healthy. Yoga, Tai Chi and seated exercise sessions mean that there was something for everyone, throughout lockdown. And we’ve shared ideas for healthy meals, snacks and smoothies in our Food of the World online sessions.