£25,000 funding boost for new older people’s exercise classes in Devon

A pioneering programme that helps to improve people’s experience of ageing has awarded Move it or Lose it, a specialist training provider of exercise classes for the over 60s, £25,000 to train 20 new instructors in Torbay and Exeter.

Endorsed training provider Move It or Lose It, which offers exercise programmes specifically targeted at older people and those with limited mobility, has hailed the funding from Transform Ageing as a significant boost as it grows across the country.

Founder Julie Robinson said as well as training new instructors, the funding will help them with financial and marketing support as they link to existing local partners and GP surgeries.

“We’re thrilled to have secured this funding from Transform Ageing because it means we are able to offer a fantastic opportunity for anyone in Torbay and Exeter looking to revive their local communities and set up their own flexible business,” she said.

“The funding will enable us to reach up to 1,800 older people every week through our classes, which has the potential to have a hugely positive impact on their lives. We’re looking forward to hearing from those who are keen to join our team, become an accredited instructor and help older people to enjoy healthier, happier and more active lives.”

Transform Ageing is a first-of-its-kind initiative to change the way society approaches and designs services for people in later life. It is delivered through a partnership and is led by Design Council, alongside UnLtd – the Foundation for Social Entrepreneurs, the South West Academic Health Science Network, and the Centre for Ageing Better.

Its delivery is also being supported locally on the ground in the south-west by Volunteer Cornwall, Devon Communities Together, Community Council for Somerset and Torbay Community Development Trust.
    
Mark Norbury, UnLtd CEO, said: “Older people have amazing energy, talent and ideas – and it’s vital we harness these to address the urgent challenges our ageing society faces – so it is fantastic to see the launch of this impressive cohort of Transform Ageing ventures. These social entrepreneurs are delivering truly fresh thinking with the potential to transform our health, connectedness and productivity - enabling us to see our ageing society as the wonderful opportunity it is.”
    
Clare Devine, Design Council executive director, said: “It is fantastic to see these ventures responding to the insights generated by local people. This really is about design led innovation from the grass roots of the community. People in later life, social entrepreneurs and public sector staff have worked collaboratively to understand in depth what would make a difference to day to day lives. Now we have an exciting range of ideas responding to what local people want and need.”

Anybody interested in applying for a funded instructor place with Move it or Lose it should email training@moveitorloseit.co.uk for more information.