Physical activity: Stay strong and steady

Email: active@ageukoxfordshire.org.uk
Telephone: 01235 849 403

We can support you in maintaining health, mobility and independence. Stay Strong and Steady, our falls prevention exercise and information programme is designed for older people who are concerned about their balance.

Introduction to our Stay Strong and Steady programme

Being worried about falling or having experienced a fall can stop people keeping active and doing things that they enjoy. We want to help people keep moving so that they can maintain health, mobility and confidence and stay independent.

This free introductory exercise and information programme is designed specifically for people who have had a fall, at risk of a fall or are concerned about their balance.

The programme is delivered by trained specialist and is available at community locations across Oxfordshire.

What the sessions involve

The programme consists of one exercise class a week delivered by a specially trained exercise instructor at a local community venue. You are also provided with resources and support to complete two further sessions independently at home each week.

Commitment to attending the weekly group session and undertaking the home sessions is essential to reap the rewards of this evidence-based programme.

The exercise element consists of strength and resistance exercises, which are beneficial for bone and joint health and help to make everyday tasks easier, and balance exercises, which help to reduce the risk of falls and improve posture.

At the group session there will be discussions and tips shared around lifestyle, health and your home that can help to reduce your risk of falling.

As you get stronger, and your balance improves we will support you to progress onto our community Strength and Balance classes.

Where the programme is available

Stay Strong and Steady programmes are taking place in the following locations, please contact us (using the details at the top of the page) if you are interest in attending and we can share the dates the next courses are starting:

• Abingdon Preston Road Community Centre, Midget Close, Abingdon, OX14 5NR
• Banbury - Grimsbury Community Centre, Burchester Place, Banbury, OX16 3WT
• Barton Neighbourhood Centre, Underhill Circus, Headington, Oxford OX3 9LS
• Benson Parish Hall, Sunnyside, Benson, Wallingford, OX10 6LZ
• Bicester Methodist Church, Bell Lane, Bicester OX26 6JQ
• Chipping Norton Town Hall, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, OX7 5NA
• Didcot Civic Hall, Britwell Road, Didcot OX11 7JN
• Faringdon Corn Exchange, Gloucester Street, Faringdon, SN7 7JA
• Kidlington Concert Brass - Band Hall, High Street, Kidlington, OX5 2DN
• Littlemore Community Centre, Giles Road, Littlemore, OX4 4NL
• Thame Girl Guide HQ, Southern Road, Spring Path, Thame, OX9 2EP
• Wantage - The Beacon- Lockinge room, Portway, Wantage, OX12 9BX
• Witney Methodist Church, 40 High St., Witney, OX28 6HG
• Wolvercote Young Peoples Club, St Peters Road, Oxford, OX2 8AU

How to register interest

To register your interest or to discuss your suitability for Stay Strong or Steady please contact us using the details at the top of the page.

Our wider physical activity offer

We also offer a range of other exercise classes:

Strength and Balance (to maintain health, mobility and independence)

Big, Bold and Balance (for those living with Parkinson’s disease)

Seated Exercise (for those who are more comfortable seated)

Video Classes

In addition to our exercise classes, we offer videos which enable you to exercise at a time that is convenient for you. These videos can be accessed via our YouTube channel or as DVDs which we can provide free of charge. Visit our YouTube channel using the link below or contact us on the details at the top of the page to request a DVD.

Visit our Youtube channel.

Could you support us as a volunteer?

Volunteering at our physical activity classes would include supporting the exercise tutor to welcome and register participants, handling cases and helping create a friendly and sociable environment. Find out more below.

Find out more about becoming a Physical Activity Volunteer here.