Over 1,000 older people in Enfield can stay active and give their social life a boost – thanks to new funding for a project running in the borough.
Fit For Life, run by Age UK Enfield, offers activities including Pilates, Zumba, line dancing, Fit steps, circuits, aerobics, walking and cycling for anyone aged over 50 at venues across the borough.
The programme, running for almost 21 years, has been secured for another two years thanks to £112,000 funding from City Bridge Foundation – London’s biggest independent charity funder.
Mark Huggard, Age UK Enfield’s Fit For Life project manager, said: “Apart from the physical health benefits, it’s the social element of the sessions which people really enjoy.
“Even if they’re not taking part in the exercise anymore, we get people coming just so they get a bit of company for an hour or two.
“This funding will make a phenomenal difference, helping us support over 1,000 people every year to stay fit and healthy.”
Sessions are held at venues including Southbury Leisure Centre in Enfield, Southgate Methodist Church, St Aldhelm’s Church Hall in Edmonton and Trent Park.
Among the regular attendees are 70-year-old Caroline Agombar from Enfield, who since 2021 has enjoyed taking part in regular weekly walks at Whitewebbs Park.
She said: “I really look forward to my walk as it gets me out of the house and I have met so many nice people who I can call my friends.
“I had a fear of coming out of my house and really had to push myself to attend. I was so relieved and pleased as everyone made me feel so welcome.
“Meeting new people and getting out in the fresh air, even if the weather is cold and dreary has been so beneficial to my wellbeing as I feel so good afterwards.”
People attending Fit For Life sessions also get the chance to chat about any problems they might have and receive advice from Age UK Enfield on issues such as benefits.
Giles Shilson, City Bridge Foundation chairman, said: “For over 20 years, the Fit For Life programme has been making a real difference to the lives of older people in Enfield.
“We’re really happy our funding will ensure that the hundreds of people who take part in activities every week can continue to experience a regular boost to their physical and mental health.”
