More than 200 seniors attend Winter Warm Up at K2 Crawley

Aimed at individuals over 60 years old from across the local community, K2 Crawley welcomed over 200 attendees plus 30 partner organisations, to the event on Thursday October 17.

The centre, managed by Everyone Active in partnership with Crawley Borough Council, offered a range of free activities including a Health Walk, Chair Based Pilates, Yoga, Ballet, Short Tennis, Walking Cricket and much more.

The aim was to encourage individuals to venture out, take part in a range of exercise activities and benefit from social interaction, whilst raising awareness of support networks available to older people and their carers.

A huge number of organisations attended to offer advice and support on the day, on topics such as financial support available during winter. Covid jabs, blood pressure and hearing tests were also available during the event. Partner agencies included: Audiology, Prevention Assessment Team, LEAP – Heating advice, Citizens Advice West Sussex, Citizens Advice – Arun and Chichester, Sussex Energy Centre, Southern Water, Fuel Poverty Advice – West Sussex. In addition, The Langley Trust supported with costs for catering and instructors.

A key highlight of the day was the Alzheimer’s Society Singing for the Brain session, with attendees enjoying the experience of using the percussion instruments whilst singing a variety of songs they know and love.

Dave Downey, Activity and Wellbeing Manager at Everyone Active, Crawley said: "We were delighted with the fantastic turn out for the Winter Warm Up event at K2 Crawley, and we know those who attended thoroughly enjoyed the exercise sessions on offer, as well as the social aspect.

“A key priority for us is to encourage exercise at all ages, so we’re always looking at ways to support the over 60s community and give them opportunities to enjoy different types of exercise – whether it be a gentle health walk or a spin class!

“We are currently overseeing a community consultation about gaps in provision for older people and we will be using the results of this to shape our programming at outreach venues throughout the town on a weekly basis. We look forward to continuing our positive and successful working relationship with all our older people agency network partners, to provide regular, sustainable and impactful sessions long-term.”

Penny Gallagher, Senior Community Developer at Age UK West Sussex, Brighton & Hove said "It was fantastic to see so many people at this event, outlining activities and advice to help people stay healthy and connected. It's great to be working with partners locally on this as fun, friendship and fitness is important no matter how old you are."

For more information on senior activities – including walking football, walking cricket and Pickleball, please visit the centre website here: K2 Crawley | Gym, Swim, Fitness Classes & Climbing | Everyone Active