Dewis Cymru helps retirement complex residents get more active
Residents in a retirement complex have become more active thanks to an exercise class organised through Dewis Cymru.
A one-stop shop for wellbeing in Wales, Dewis Cymru provides a directory that allows users across Wales to access a range of services in areas such as health, money management and safety.
Cardiff Council is currently working in partnership with the Vale of Glamorgan Council to promote Dewis Cymru.
Visitors to the websitewww.dewis.walescan select the category they are interested in and a range of advice and links to services is available.
Alternatively, it is possible to search by location to find a particular service in a specific area.
That is what Vale of Glamorgan Council Communities First officer Mark Ellis did when he wanted to find a Fitness Extend instructor for residents of a retirement community in Llantwit Major.
Fitness Extend is gentle exercise consisting of movement to music.
He contacted Alana Bevan, who has been providing regular classes since.
"After consulting with residents, one of the ideas they came up with was a Fitness Extend class," said Mark.
"I used Dewis Cymru to find a local instructor, who came in to do regular sessions with the residents, while people living externally joined in as well.
"The service was so easy to use and I found exactly what I wanted. I just typed in fitness instructor, the details popped up and I rang her straight away. Lana is great and everyone really enjoys the classes.
"I also used it to find an art teacher. The directory is useful when looking for any number of things."
The retirement complex warden, Sheralee Baldwin, said: "The residents really enjoy it - it's really about having fun and not taking things too seriously.
"It's a group session which they like, especially because it's so light-hearted.
"You can do some of the exercises sitting down in a chair by just lifting up your legs or arms - there's no pressure.
"It's great a service like Dewis Cymru exists to help us organise this kind of activity."
Teresa James, an 80-year-old resident of the retirement complex who participates in the Fitness Extend classes said: "I thoroughly enjoy the class. There's an exercise and social element to it. It's nice to be in a group with other people all exercising together.
"We exercise our arms, our wrists and our legs. When you get older it's important to stay active and I wish we could have classes every day."
Cllr Susan Elsmore, the Cabinet Member for Social Care, Health and Well-being at Cardiff Council, said: "The Dewis Cymru website is a fantastic place to go to if you want to find out what sort of services, activities, clubs and support is available where you live."
She added: "There is so much information on the website with pages about being well, being social, being at home, being safe, managing your money, children and families and looking after someone.
"I would encourage residents to take a look for themselves."