POWYS - NEWTOWN CITIZENS SIT BACK TO GET ACTIVE

They might be sitting back, but Newtown’s over-60’s certainly aren’t taking it easy.

The Newtown Methodist Church Hall is the new venue for the weekly gentle seated exercise sessions, which aim to get the resident senior generation more active.

With an emphasis on low level activities, Young at Heart encourages exercisers to work at their own pace and level under close supervision of a qualified Occupational Therapist. And not only are they getting active during class time, exercisers are also encouraged to do their homework and keep up with the exercises in their own time.

The project has benefited from funding Sports Council for Wales’ Community Chest scheme and Age Concern, meaning classes can now being offered at a subsidised rate of £1. Old and outdated fitness equipment has also been replaced and the range expanded, which has created extra opportunities at the venue.

MERTHYR TYDFIL - MERTHYR MULTIPLES

Mums and Dads have a tough job on their hands occupying pre-schoolers, but what about those with twins, triplets, quadruplets and more?

But now a Merthyr based voluntary group has stepped in to make the unmanageable manageable. Recognising the difficulties faced, Merthyr Multiples are opening up the opportunities for families who struggle to find time for anything outside of childcare. With a new line in specialist swimming sessions at Gwaunfarren pool on the horizon, the group are inviting parents and their pre-schoolers to take advantage of the opportunity.

A £750 Community Chest grant from the Sports Council for Wales meant the club could call on the services of a qualified instructor, who will be helping to build water confidence in the children. Alongside the instructor, each session will feature a lifeguard and 10 support helpers. The cash also means the group can stock up on arm bands, baby changing mats and little swimmer pants.