Keep Moving To Stay Healthy For Longer – Activities In The Horsham Area
Published: 15/03/2019
Now that we’re beginning to experience some warmer Spring weather, Right At Home Worthing & Shoreham are focussing on the health benefits of spending more time outside and getting involved in activities to help stay fit and healthy.
Last month we looked at activities in the Adur area, covering Shoreham and Worthing, and this month we’re looking at the Horsham area.
Hopefully this will give you, or someone you care for, some inspiration for trying out a new activity while meeting new people and having fun! Activity can be simple low-level movements or just getting out to take part in clubs and social events, daily walking, keeping up with household chores, gentle swimming, dancing or even seated exercises.
There’s plenty of studies showing that physical exercise is not only being good for keeping the body healthy, but that staying active also benefits the mind. Regular activity has been shown to lower the risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, depression or dementia which are all conditions associated with a sedentary lifestyle.
There are many groups and clubs in the Horsham area for those looking to get moving more, so we’ve gathered together a few examples and links for you to explore. West Sussex Connect to Support is a great place to start as it has a long list of local groups and activities in West Sussex. The site offers useful search categories to narrow down the choice (as there are a lot of groups listed), and you can filter the search by location, day, age group and condition such as Autism / Learning Disability, Dementia, Physical Disability, Mental Health / Brain Injury or Visual / Hearing Impairment.
Here are a few suggestions and links to help keep you, or the elderly relatives you care for, active and engaged:
Exercise Classes
Horsham District Wellbeing Exercise Referral Scheme offers a programme of tailor-made activity at a local leisure centre for the prevention, improvement or management of your health condition. Following a referral from a GP a trained exercise specialist will be on hand to guide and support you. The aim is to give you a specialised exercise programme which is suitable and beneficial for your particular health condition.
Steyning Leisure Centre run a variety of activities for older people. They hold a regular 50+ activity morning on Wednesdays and offer activities such as swimming, Short Mat Bowls, Table Tennis and Exercise Classes.
Dancing
For something a little different how about trying Scottish country dancing at the Horsham Scottish Country Dancing Club. Not to be confused with Scottish highland dancing – swords, highland fling etc. they welcome new members to try an informal evening of social dancing. Details can be found on their website
Circle Dancing in Henfield is a class that has been specially designed for the older generation. This is a gentle class with a focus on fun and dancing. It takes place every Thursday 10.15 – 12.00 at Henfield Leisure Centre and to book call Brenda on 01273842405.
Strength and Balance Classes
Through a range of simple exercises that can be done at home, you can build confidence and help prevent wobbles, trips or falls. Strong & Steady offers free courses and workshops for the over 65’s to improve balance, strength, mobility & independence. Courses are low impact and will help those looking to be stronger, steadier and more active. To find out if you are eligible and register to join call 01403 215111, email info@horshamdistrictwellbeing.org.uk or use our website contact form.
Yoga
Gentle Yoga is a fantastic way to keep your body active and flexible. Experience the many physical and mental health benefits of yoga every Friday 9:15 – 10:30 at Steyning Methodist Church Hall. Classes cost £8 and they welcome people to just drop in to try it out.
Singing
Jazzled Choir – Jazz, Blues & Swing welcomes all ages and abilities, especially people with memory loss. It takes place on the second Thursday of every month (during term time only) 1:30pm – 3:30pm at the Catholic Church Hall, Church Lane in Henfield. Lou Beckerman, musical director & jazz vocalist together with Wayne McConnell, jazz pianist & composer shares and teaches gorgeous songs from the great era of jazz, blues and swing. For more information Tel. 01273 494300 or E: info@knowdementia.co.uk
Chanctonbury Chorus is a friendly classical choir, meets every Wednesday at 19.45 in the Drama Room at Steyning Grammar School, Church Street, Steyning. For further details, please contact Christine: 01903 815467
Gardening & conservation
Enjoy gardening & being outdoors? Green Moments is for those with dementia and their carer(s). Rock Farm, The Hollow, Washington, RH20 3DA 1.30 – 3.30pm (Wednesday) ! 01273 49 4300 ” info@knowdementia.co.uk
NAFAS is the National Association of Flower Arrangement Societies and has lots of local groups in the area including Henfield, Steyning and Storrington. For a listing of local clubs, times and venues visit the site: www.sussexareanafas.org.uk
Sussex Wildlife Trust Manage over 30 nature reserves where rare and threatened wildlife can be protected and can thrive. Show and teach people of all ages about the wildlife and countryside around them. Run events and courses, walks and talks and lead practical volunteer tasks. Information and advice line provides FREE advice on all wildlife, conservation and planning questions.
Steyning Downland Scheme Conservation welcomes volunteers of all ages to join them on the first Wednesday and third Saturday of every month. They meet for a practical, fun day outdoors looking after our local downs. Sturdy shoes, outdoor clothing and a packed lunch are advised. For more details contact Sarah Quantrill. Email: sdsvolunteers@gmail.com
Walking Groups
Walking is a good opportunity to make new friends and find out more about the wildlife and fauna of the local countryside and pathways whilst getting fitter. There are a number of walking groups in the area and Horsham District Council runs a Walks Programme of free, sociable walks led by volunteers. Here you can find timetables for upcoming walks including Health Walks over easy terrain aimed at beginners and those with long term health conditions. Health Walks are accredited by the national Ramblers Walking for Health scheme.
Social and Lunch Clubs
Sometimes, just getting out of the house to enjoy other’s company and take part in fun activities can help those living in their own homes to be more mobile and happy.
The Time Travellers’ Cafe at The Hub in Beeding provides a safe and relaxing place for people with dementia or age related memory issues and their families and carers to share experiences, have access to information, to meet others in the same situation and encourage people to have fun together. Time Travellers’ Café meets on the first Thursday of the month and a full list of activities will be developed throughout the year. All are welcome to drop in and join us. We will be open between 12.30pm – 2.30pm and a cafe menu is available for a light lunch and refreshments.
4sight is a well-established club for people who are blind, partially sighted or have difficulty with their sight. The club is very informal,friendly and relaxed and we offer lifts to and from the club. The club has visiting speakers, and also organises trips to Sussex attractions, and occasional lunch or tea excursions. 4sight takes place on the third Wednesday of every month 14:00 – 16:00 at the Steyning Centre. For further information please telephone 01903 812308
That’s just a few ideas, and more activities and groups can be found on the U3A website , the Know Dementia activities and events page and the Henfield Hub.
It’s important to remember that everybody is different, they enjoy different activities and will have varying levels of fitness and experience of exercise or physical activity. That’s why it’s important that you find something that works for you, or your loved ones.
If you’d like to find out how Right At Home Worthing and Shoreham can help your or a loved one stay healthy and safe in their own home, please contact our friendly team.
