Some of these activities can also be accessed from home on our YouTube account
We welcome enquiries about local programmes and the booking of Health Trainers for programme delivery – contact us to find out more.
Some of our Health Trainers are certified in OCN NI Level 3 Award in Planning and Leading a Physiotherapy Designed Exercise Programme in Fall Prevention and Strength and Balance Training.
The Strength and Balance programme aims to provide a programme for falls prevention in a community setting.
Strength & Balance is a physical activity programme which aims to help people over the age of 55 years of age to improve their balance and posture and strengthen their muscles.
The programme is for those who have been identified at risk of falls or who have a fear of falling.
The Strength & Balance programme will help to:
Department of Health guidelines recommend all adults should complete 150 minutes of physical activity in a week. Older adults at risk of falling should also undertake physical activity to improve muscle strength, balance and coordination at least twice a week
The Strength & Balance programmes are based in local community venues and in Leisure Centres across the Southern Trust area and delivered by local facilitators.
Your facilitator will have experience in delivering physical activity programmes and has received specialist training from Physiotherapists in the Southern Health and Social Care Trust to deliver the Strength & Balance programme.
You will also learn simple exercises you can carry out at home and incorporate into your everyday life.
You don’t need to have the latest trainers and sportswear to attend the Strength & Balance programme. You simply need to have:
You can get further information on falls prevention and watch a demonstration of Strength and Balance exercise at https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/keeping-mobile-and-preventing-falls
For those unable to attend a group class, home based one-to one sessions will be considered against referral criteria.
*Small group bookings are possible for Strength and Balance. Contact us to find out more
You can also do strengthening exercises at home and it is great to combine these with regular walking to help you have an active and independent later life. Try them at home here Here
Power in the Park is also available in the glorious outdoors in Lurgan Park, which are part of the Park Power initiative for more information Here
Walking Groups are widely available across the Verve Healthy Living Network. Walking is a great way to:
Chi Me is a series of Tai Chi influenced movements which allows your participants to experience many benefits, such as improved strength, balance and a wonderful sense of wellbeing.
See our newsletter for Chi Me classes across the Verve Healthy Living Network.
Community Health Trainers can offer inclusive sports such as Boccia and New age Kurling at groups upon request.
For programme information contact verve.network@southerntrust.hscni.net, see the most recent FUSE newsletter or complete a self-referral form click here.
Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council have many opportunities for people to enjoy being active, in their recreation centres, local parks and outdoor spaces. You can find out more here Get Moving ABC Programmes – Get Active ABC
ExploreABC is a new and exciting app that hosts six unique audio trails, four in Lurgan Park and two in Banbridge’s Solitude Park. The audio trails will enable you to explore the Parks, learn more about the area’s history and connect with nature and wildlife.
Each trail follows a predetermined route, and as you walk along, listen out for facts and interesting stories or participate in a family activity.
The audio trails are suitable for all ages and abilities and are especially good for those with sight loss.