Free Active Hastings Age Friendly Activity and Social Sessions

Active Hastings is very excited to announce their Age Friendly Activity and Social Sessions are now free, with thanks to funding from Hastings and St Leonards Primary Care Network and the Sport England's Together Fund.

These sessions are designed to give local older people the opportunity to come together, try out new activities, whilst having a chat and enjoying unlimited free tea and coffee. Various activities are available each week, including but not limited to; new-age kurling, boccia, archery, badminton and chair-based exercise.

Liz, a regular participant said: "I was feeling isolated and lonely after recently retiring and moving to Hastings from Peterborough. My son saw this session was available and suggested I gave it a go. At the first session I was feeling reluctant and was ready to leave, but Katie and Grace, who run the sessions and the other participants made me feel so welcome. I have to say it has made a great difference to my life; my family ask every week if I had a good time. My answer is always 'fantastic'."

The free Age Friendly sessions take place every Thursday from 1.30pm to 3pm at the Four Courts Wellbeing Hub and every Friday from 2pm to 3.30pm at Ore Community Centre. Both sessions are fully inclusive and accessible - everyone is welcome. There's no need to book in advance, you can just turn up.

Councillor Andy Batsford, lead councillor for Health and Culture at Hastings Borough Council, said: "We are delighted these age friendly sessions are now free, and we hope by removing the cost more people will be encouraged to come along. The sessions not only give you the opportunity to try out new activities, but the social interactions can improve mental wellbeing and reduce loneliness. These sessions also provide a warm space for our local community."

Active Hastings is hosted by Hastings Borough Council, in partnership with East Sussex County Council, and brings together a wide range of local and national partners to ensure that everyone in Hastings can get active. There are a range of exercise classes to suit everyone, visit the Active Hastings website for the list of activities happening near you (www.activehastings.org.uk).

-ENDS-

Notes to editor: 

Active Hastings

Active Hastings works closely with local providers of physical activity to give you easy, fun ways to get your everyday dose of physical activity. It only takes 30 minutes a day for adults and 60 a day for children to get fitter, healthier and happier. You can even break it down into 10 minute slots!

Active Hastings coordinates the local Community Physical Activity Network, which brings together schools, sport clubs, National Governing Bodies of Sport, health organisations, the voluntary sector and the private sector to work together, unblock barriers to participation and improve the local sport and physical activity delivery system.

Active Hastings is hosted by Hastings Borough Council, in partnership with East Sussex County Council, but brings together a wide range of local and national partners to ensure that everyone in Hastings can get active.

Find out more at www.activehastings.org.uk or follow them on Facebook 'Active Hastings'.

For more information contact Emma Bailey (She/Her), Social Marketing and Communications Officer, Active Hastings, Hastings Borough Council on 01424 451145 or email: emma.bailey@hastings.gov.uk