Changing Lives Social Value Fund
Executive Director of our Community Interest Company Unbound Moving Arts and project manager of ‘The Rhythms Club at Vidas’, Nikki Ashley writes here about the continued success of our reach out project for older people in the London borough of Lambeth.
“I have just submitted the final report to Lambeth Council for the Social Value Funding they awarded us last year to deliver a year long program of weekly 5Rhythms sessions to older residents in the Borough.
The Rhythms Club at Vidas is our project in partnership with AGE UK Lambeth MYsocial - Although this funding has come to an end we have reserves enough to keep us going intil the Autumn, when we hope to have secured new funding. I do still hope and desire the project to grow, as many more older residents could benefit.
We've been blessed to have deeply regarded and experienced teachers Ruth Hirst and Jane Belshaw join the teaching team with me, and back stage diamond support from Richard Wiltshire.
I feel a tremendous sense of achievement and gratitude for all the support we have received. I feel immensely honoured to be doing this work which, as you will see from these stats and the images, is really making a difference to older people’s lives.”
IMPACT OF THE PROJECT ON PARTICIPANTS
90% of the participants attended weekly
72% rated their experience as ‘Excellent’
72% Said it improved their mood/mental wellbeing
90% Said it increased their movement or fitness
63% Said they felt less joint or body stiffness
63% Felt less isolated
45% Made new friendships
54% Improved their Creative expression
72% Reported the sessions reduced their stress/anxiety
54% Felt it contributed to their Confidence building
63% said it had motivated them to be more active generally
90% would like to attend similar sessions in the future
“These sessions keep me going all week.”
Christiane
”It's a lifeline and something to look forward to.”
Helen
”Very friendly atmosphere in the room.”
Uzonna
“Mental, physical, emotional and spiritual well-being and sense of oneness.”
Anon
”Fantastic combination of good music and company. I try to come every week as it's the only physical exercise I get. The music and atmosphere is good for mental health.”
Davy