Rhinos Active Social, which is a weekly social and activity group for over 55s run by Leeds Rhinos Foundation, is helping to connect communities and promote healthy and active lifestyles.
One in five people in Leeds are over the age of 60 and there is an estimated 37,000 number of old people who experience social isolation and loneliness. The aim of the Rhinos Active Social is to tackle this issue and engage the older community in activities to improve their physical, mental and social well-being.
The free sessions, which started in 2016, are run at three locations in Leeds and offer activities such as Tai Chi, chair-based exercise, table tennis and walking sports. There is also the opportunity for the group to socialise at the end of the activity sessions.
Laura Buckle, health improvement officer at Leeds Rhinos Foundation, said: “The city of Leeds is aiming to be the best city for health and wellbeing, with strong engaged and well-connected communities. We fully support this ambition and this is why we are proud to be able to offer provisions such as Rhinos Active Social. These sessions are a great outlet for people to come together, be active and socialise.
“The programme has gone from strength to strength over the years with the aim of helping people try something new, and something they wouldn’t normally try. It’s important that Leeds Rhinos Foundation offers this group because we have to look after our local community and this project underpins everything we do as a health team, allowing it to fit with the other projects we run.”
Along with providing a social hub for the community, Rhinos Active Social also promotes physical activity. With evidence suggesting that people who are active have a lower risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, some cancers, depression and dementia the weekly sessions are a positive way of getting people to enjoy physical activity.
Those who have attended Rhinos Active Social over the last two years have reported the benefits they have experienced since joining.
Margaret, who attend the sessions, said: “I’ve benefited physically and mentally, it has also improved the social side. There’s nothing else in the area like it and we’ve all made friends from it. It benefits us enormously.”
Christine, another attendee added: “It keeps us active and we love coming every week. It’s really well organised through Laura and the health team and we love the different activities that are put on.”
Ben Berry, Leeds Rhinos Foundation project tutor, said: “When you get older physical activity and exercise is really important in helping people stay healthy, energetic and independent. Leeds Rhinos Foundation as a whole, targets a wide range of communities and this is project is one way that we are able to help bring the community of Leeds together and help promote healthy lifestyles.”
Look at a recent chair exercise session here:
You can join our local Active Social Group by coming to the Cardigan Centre on Tuesdays (10am-12:30pm), O.P.A.L Welcome In Community Centre on Wednesdays (10am-12pm) and the Heart Community Centre on Fridays (10am-12pm).
For more information, email laura.buckle@leedsrhinosfoundation.org