Winter wellbeing – stay warm

This week, we look at what people can do to make new friends and stay warm and well in Cheshire East during winter.

You don't have to stay at home to keep warm, well and safe this winter. A vast array of activities are on offer to people of all ages throughout Cheshire East and now might be the best time to take advantage.

From tai chi to coffee mornings, Pilates lessons to senior citizens' lunches, there is plenty to do. And they can be enjoyed in warm, safe environments where people can socialise and make new friends.

Councillor Janet Clowes, Cabinet member in charge of health and adult social care, said: "We may all feel less inclined to get out and about when the weather is cold but, following a short journey, there are a lot of activities which people can get involved in across all our towns and villages.

"Many are free of charge and some are available at a small price. Also, our health improvement team runs a variety of programmes alongside different partners, such as the Be Steady, Be Safe classes.

"These sessions provide a social opportunity to restore confidence, maintain independence, reduce falls and improve mobility, strength, balance and flexibility."

Sean Reynolds, the chair of the Cheshire East Adult Safeguarding Board, added: "Most of us can now expect to live very much longer than our parents did and this provides opportunities to extend our contribution to family and community life – and this could be as carers, grandparents or volunteers.

"It helps to keep ourselves as fit, alert and healthy as possible, particularly during the cold, dark winter months. The Adult Safeguarding Board welcomes the efforts of the Council to publicise the wide variety of voluntary and private-sector programmes available to Cheshire East residents.

"Unfortunately, older people can also be victims of various forms of abuse, often in their own homes. The more social contact they have outside, the greater the opportunities for them to seek advice and support."

Many activities can be found in Cheshire East's comprehensive guide of things to do at: www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/whatson

To find out more about falls prevention and healthy living in Cheshire East, please visit: www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/fallsprevention

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