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Meet the team: Helping Great Yarmouth get moving

Published on 18 September 2026 12:15 PM

As Communities in Motion prepares to launch in Great Yarmouth, we meet the project lead behind our new programme to find out more about her background, what attracted her to Age UK Norfolk and what she hopes participants will get from the programme.

Communities in Motion is our new free 12-week community exercise programme for people aged 65+ in Great Yarmouth, designed to help people become more active, improve their fitness, build confidence and support their health and wellbeing. With a focus on strength, balance, mobility and functional movement, the programme is also about creating opportunities for people to meet others, make new friends and feel connected to their community.

As the programme gets ready to launch, we asked Kelly Parkin, project lead, to tell us a little more about herself and what she hopes Communities in Motion will offer people in Great Yarmouth.

Tell us a little about yourself.

I have worked as a Health and Fitness professional for over 10 years, specialising in falls prevention, cardiac rehabilitation, and exercise for older adults and people living with long-term health conditions. I am passionate about making exercise achievable, enjoyable, and accessible for everyone..

Can you tell us a little about Communities in Motion and what people can expect?

The Communities in Motion Programme is a free 12-week community exercise programme designed for adults aged 65+ to become more active, improve their fitness levels, build confidence, and make lasting positive changes to their health and wellbeing.

Participants can take part in weekly sessions at selected venues across Great Yarmouth, enjoying friendly and supportive group exercise that is adapted to individual needs, abilities, and personal goals. Sessions focus on improving strength, balance, mobility, and functional movement to support independence, make everyday activities easier, and help people better manage their health, including living with long-term health conditions.

Alongside the physical benefits, Communities in Motion offers a welcoming opportunity to socialise, make new friends, and build meaningful connections within the community. Participants can enjoy refreshments, share experiences, and feel supported as part of a friendly and inclusive group.

What are you most looking forward to about working with older people in Great Yarmouth?

I’m looking forward to getting to know the people in Great Yarmouth and supporting them to stay active, healthy, and independent. I enjoy helping people build confidence through exercise while creating opportunities to make new friends and stay socially connected. It’s rewarding to see the positive impact that regular physical activity can have on both physical and mental wellbeing, and I’m excited to be part of that journey for the local community.

What would you say to someone who feels nervous about joining a class for the first time?

It’s completely normal to feel nervous about trying something new, but you’ll be made to feel welcome from the moment you arrive. Our classes are friendly, supportive, and suitable for all abilities, so you can go at your own pace. Everyone was new once, and before long you’ll feel part of the group. Taking that first step is often the hardest, but it can also be the most rewarding.

I’m looking forward to meeting new people, building positive relationships, and supporting participants to enjoy the benefits of staying active. I’m excited to help people improve their confidence, wellbeing, and independence through enjoyable and accessible exercise.

Learn more about Communities in Motion

We have new dates and locations available with spaces to book, find out more including how to sign up on our Communities in Motion page.