Salford’s digital success

Salford’s creative, can-do spirit swung into action when coronavirus (COVID-19) came along.

With the biggest cluster of digital businesses outside London and a council that won digital Council of the Year in 2019, it’s no surprise we turned to technology to keep vital support going.

Staying active

Eighty six year old Sylvia Billington from Wardley thought her weekly class would stop but Salford Community Leisure staff had other ideas.

Sylvia

The Active Lifestyles team, which supports up to 800 older people, created their own exercise videos and phoned clients to encourage them to carry on exercising. They send out regular newsletters and are now planning live online sessions.

Sylvia was referred to the postural stability class by her GP to recover from a broken hip and try to prevent further falls.

“I would definitely recommend it to anyone who is not sure about their balance. It is a fantastic way to boost confidence and a great social activity. I really miss people from the group,” said Sylvia.

“I am trying to keep active doing my exercises and I walk up and down my garden path to be ready to come back to the class. I’m also very grateful for the instructor’s catch up calls that keep me motivated.”

Ninety one year old William Lomax from Worsley is also enjoying the new routine.

“I’m keeping my exercises up, breaking them down into bits but I do them all for a total of around half an hour every day. I’m very happy and will be glad to be back at the class,” he said.

Agnes Michalska, active lifestyles support officer, added: “Everyone who attends the classes receives a booklet of exercises so the videos, calls and newsletter supplement those. The positive feedback has been really rewarding.”

Agnes

Read more inspiring stories about Salford’s digital success online today. Life in Salford magazine, issue 29, pages 20-21.