Worcestershire respite centre awarded grant to fund exercise classes

Above : Funding boost for exercise class

A Worcestershire respite centre for elderly people will be able to continue with valuable exercise classes thanks to a successful application for extra funding.

The Nora Parsons Centre based in Wichenford, Worcestershire applied to our Community Chest in order to extend its seated exercise clubs for its visitors.

The grant comes from a funding pot for Platform customers and local charities, clubs and other not-for-profit organisations; applications are welcomed if their work or project directly benefits Platform customers. All applications are assessed against specific eligibility criteria by customers who sit on our Customer Voice Panel.

The funding means the centre can afford to pay for a further 12 month programme of armchair exercises.

Ian Brown, Treasurer at The Nora Parsons Centre said: “We are delighted to have been awarded this grant from Platform Housing Group.  The classes not only support physical and mental well being, they also offer an opportunity for visitors – who are typically between 75 and 95 years of age - to come together and feel more connected.”

Marion Duffy, Chief Operations Officer at Platform Housing Group said: “Ensuring our customers have access to activities that aid physical health and encourage better mental health is really important within our communities, particularly in rural areas.  Classes like this also have the added bonus of bringing people together and offering social support to older generations.”

The centre provides respite to families and friends by looking after adults; it is entirely run by volunteers and serves 21 neighbouring villages.  It began life in 1977 when Nora Parsons, a retired district nurse, realised there were many older people in her area who spent much of their time alone.  With the help of family and friends and the Vicar of Wichenford, the care centre was established. There are currently around 20 members attending the centre.