Introduction

The People Keeping Well programme has been set up with the aim of helping people to stay active and engaged in their community, especially in later life. It is increasingly recognised that creating such opportunities has benefits for people’s health and wellbeing. These activity groups provide social connections, interests, and often physical exercise. What’s more, as people get to know each other, such groups can provide informal - but invaluable - support when people face life crises such as illness or bereavement.

In the light of this, there is interest in finding out about people’s experience of these activities and groups. What benefits are they finding, in terms of their health and
wellbeing?

The Survey Method

As the programme coordinator for South West Sheffield, I have contacted activity providers to see if I could visit a group session, and invite people to fill in a confidential questionnaire.  I shared the questionnaire with the provider first, so they knew what was involved, and could introduce the idea to the participants.

The questionnaire asked about people’s length of involvement with the activity, changes they were aware of in their physical and mental health, any health emergencies in the previous 6 months, the number of new people they had met, and any new friendships they had formed. It also invited informal comments about their experiences with the group.

Community Wellness Services

One of the long-standing activity providers in the PKW programme in South West Sheffield is Community Wellness Services1 (CWS). CWS run a number of exercise and physical activity classes across the area, and in other parts of the city. I contacted Dave Birds and Clare Wasden of CWS about visiting a regular weekly group. They put me in touch with Jean, one of their tutors who runs a PKW-supported class at Bradway Community Hall. I attended and took part in the lively session, which was quite physically demanding! Once the exercises were over, during the cup of tea I invited people to complete the questionnaire.

Findings

Below is a summary of the findings, together with a transcription of the comments made by members of the group.

People’s comments on their experiences with this class

• “Look forward to coming.”
• “Meeting others is important.”
• “Feel good, the activity is very good.”
• “I look forward to coming to the class.”
• “I think Jean (teacher) is perfect.”
• “A lovely group of people and teacher. A good way to spend a Monday morning.”
• “A fabulous group with a caring fantastic teacher. Really look forward to the class.”
• “Very friendly group. Jean (instructor) very friendly, patient and encouraging. Finish group sessions with coffee and social chatter.”

In conclusion

From these findings, it is clear that people derive many benefits from being involved with this class. These include social connections and health benefits.  These findings are a tribute to the instructor, Jean, to the work that Community Wellness Services do across Sheffield, and to the PKW programme itself.

Report prepared by Adam Howard,
Senior Community Engagement Officer, Age UK Sheffield
E: adam.howard@ageuksheffield.org.uk
T: 0114 250 2850 M: 07825 597943
www.ageuksheffield.org.uk