Movers & Shakers: Health and Wellbeing for Older People

Buckinghamshire County Council

Movers & Shakers Health and wellbeing for older

people

Olga [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]


DemographicsAgeing, diverse older populationSee Movers & Shakers in action: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6UHcVnwG7iw

M&S supports older people (O/P) to remain fitter longer – keep physically and mentally active plus healthy eating

Buckinghamshire

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6UHcVnwG7iw


Background to M&SPiloted in 2007 – Exercise for Caribbean EldersCaribbean Style started in 2009Chinese Style and Asian Dosti (women’s) commenced in 2010, with more groups following in Aylesbury, Chiltern + South Bucks districts

NHS Award winning status in October 2010


What Members say about M&S:• Friendship, fun and food• Getting out of the house• Meeting new people• Enjoyment – I’ve been coming since day 1.• Do regular exercise• My balance has improved• I like the talks and table games• A social morning


Qualitative Evaluation of M&S in 2009Why do you attend?• Exercise, have fun, avoid loneliness, peer support and

education

Why participate in Physical activity?• Better to exercise in group, Difficulty walking/interested in

sitting position to exercise, Arthritis sufferer/keep joints moving

Social Health?• Enjoy meeting friends/new people, laughter and banter, live

alone so ‘Yes’

Emotional Wellbeing?• Exercise gives inner peace, helps to unwind, feel relaxed

afterwards, great feel good factor


Outcomes Movers & Shakers is making a difference:

√ Improves health/wellbeing for older people √ Inclusive – combat loneliness/isolation √ Effective community engagement and development in diverse communities √ Successful partnership working √ Building stronger cohesive communities


M&S initiative supports/linked to:• Falls Prevention Programme • Public Health – 5 Ways to Wellbeing,

Healthy eating programme, Active Bucks• Prevention Matters – CLO and CPW roles• BCC – Brokerage Direct Payment

Service, Dementia Friendly Communities• Bucks New University – Annual Ageing

Well Events, Student Placements


M&S attendance = 330 approx. p/w Initiative requires:• Robust empirical evidence – we (staff

and members) know project works well!• Prime funding for expansion so that O/P

in rural settings can also benefit• Strategic buy-in from established

organisation(s) – governance, training, funding support, etc.

• GP prescription referrals for O/P - SEM


Other CD Work:Mental Health First Aid TrainingAccredited to deliver standard MHFA, Youth MHFA (2 day courses) and Lite MHFA (3 hours) CDWs worked alongside MHFA England to develop culturally appropriate programmes (DRE + RECC) to raise awareness of MH and related issues.To date; approx. 200 people have been trained in Bucks on MHFA /YMHFA within CD role, as well as co-facilitating in Berks and London to maintain accreditation since 2008.Ageing Well Conference ShowcaseCo-organiser with BNU of annual event encouraging O/P (200+) in activities for ageing well.


Thank You

Olga McBarnettJoint Mental Health Community

Development Lead

[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

Movers & Shakers: Health and Wellbeing for Older People

Health & Medicine

Transcript of Movers & Shakers: Health and Wellbeing for Older People