Introducing movement to music exercise groups in Wakefield OPS

Rosanna Ward, a support worker in the Trust’s older people’s services (OPS) in Wakefield has recently completed a movement to music training programme and is now holding groups for older people to get them involved in gentle exercise.

Movement to music is a programme of activities developed by Extend, a charity that provides quality assured training and accredited qualifications for people who would like to organise recreational activities, set to music, for older people or those with a disability in their local area.

Rosanna attended the 14 day training course, run over a period of six months, which gave her knowledge of the body, information about how to use music and rhythm and the opportunity to build her communication skills and develop teaching techniques through a series of lectures and practical workshops.

Rosanna is now making full use of her new qualification and has set up three movement to music and gentle exercise groups locally for people who are in contact with the Trust’s older people’s services in Wakefield.

Rosanna said, “The groups are a great way for people to meet others, socialise and partake in gentle exercise. It is hoped that those who attend the groups will experience a number of benefits as a result including increased mobility and independence; and improved strength, co-ordination and balance.”

Anyone who is currently in contact with older people’s services in Wakefield and would like to attend a movement to music exercise group, is advised to speak to their care co-ordinator who will be able to advise them further.