Free Edinburgh Leisure classes for carers
VOCAL (Voice of Carers Across Lothian), in partnership with Edinburgh Leisure, are offering free exercise classes to unpaid carers. The six week courses include Zumba, Aquafit and Body Balance and will start in September at various Edinburgh Leisure sporting facilities.
The classes are one of a number of social and leisure opportunities organised by VOCAL for carers in Edinburgh. Other initiatives include weight management courses, gym buddy sessions and city wide reading groups. For more details see the training section.
Carers report that caring takes its toll on their health. A recent survey from Carers Scotland (‘Sick, tired and caring’) found that 54% of carers felt isolated and could not meet friends and family or take part in leisure or social activities. More than half (57%) reported significant health problems, including long term conditions, disabilities, stress, anxiety, back and shoulder pain.
Jane Greenacre, VOCAL Carer Support and Training manager says;
‘These exercise focused opportunities aim to help carers to improve or maintain their health and well-being, as well as providing the chance to meet socially with other carers’
For more information or to book a place contact VOCAL on 0131 622 6666 or email centre@vocal.org.uk.
