7 May 2025

Without these classes I would feel lost

Linda Kelly, a resident at Sutherland Court in Penge, shares her experience of using the Be Active service available to residents to support with physical wellbeing.

I have been using Anchor’s Be Active service since January 2025. There is a lot of choice available, I take part in general Keep Fit classes 3 times a week, the recorded class of Dance Yoga when I'm able and I'm aiming to try Tai Chi next.

I find the classes have become part of my daily routine and I loathe missing one. I’m currently waiting for a hip replacement so these classes are enhancing my pre-op physical health and will be a bonus to my post-op physiotherapy exercises. I told my NHS team at the hospital about Anchor’s Be Well initiatives and they made a note as they thought they were excellent. I also notice that taking part in the sessions lift my mood, especially on dull days.

Be Active provides a welcoming and supportive environment for all who take part

I was really interested when I heard about Be Active and emailed the Be Involved team directly to get more details. I simply stated my interest, and they responded with all the information I needed.

As the classes are online, Anchor’s Be Digital service can teach you how to use the Microsoft Teams App where you can join the classes either as a group in residential lounges or from the comfort of your own home. There really isn’t anything to stop you getting involved.

What I enjoy most about the classes are that the instructors are welcoming and the exercises flow at a good pace.

It’s also lovely to meet other participants in different parts of the country who are also enjoying themselves. Without these classes I would feel lost, as I now recognise my muscles, posture and core are strengthening, and these can be easily lost with age. Exercise is so valuable to your health and social wellbeing and gives you a purpose in your day. There’s no need to feel hesitant either, as the other participants are also in the same stage of life and everyone is supporting each other.

How our Coffee Mornings connect residents and provide opportunities to learn something new

I also attend Anchor’s Coffee Mornings, which form part of the Be Connected service available to all residents. In a recent Coffee Morning, we were given a talk by a clinical hypnotherapist who also did a small mind exercise with us. It was brilliant, learning about how the brain works and what happens to the brain/mind at various times during our sleep. We are encouraged to give feedback and suggest topics we’d like to learn about, I let the team know I’d be very interested in that speaker coming back again – so I’m looking forward to that.

Find out more about Be Active

Be Active is our wellness and movement programme that supports residents living with us to take care of their overall health and wellbeing. In addition to exercise videos and weekly live demonstrations, we also offer podcasts and booklets offering tips on how to stay active.