Flex and relax at Chesterfield College

21 October 2008

Chesterfield College Fitness Suite demonstrated the importance of physical activity for mental well-being during the first annual England-wide mass participation event “Get Moving Week”. This national event aimed to bring people with direct experience of mental health problems together with those without these experiences to build awareness, challenge attitudes and tackle discrimination.

The Flex and Relaxation exercise class and inclusive gym environment proved to be a great success with local service users.

Joanne Mordey, Occupational Therapist from North Derbyshire Early Intervention Team, said: "Physical activity helps improve mood, boosts confidence and overall fitness levels, being able to access activities such as the flex and relax class and the gym in a such a supportive environment enables those lacking in confidence to engage in something positive for both body and mind.

"The service users who attended the taster class enjoyed the session and found the pace and level of the class manageable. We also have had only positive comments about the gym sessions we have started at the college and are keen to continue working together to provide more opportunities for exercise."

Inclusion is a major factor in the day to day running of Chesterfield College which already has a large directorate of visitors with learning difficulties and disabled people.

Karl Smith, Fitness Suite Manager, said: "As an IFI accredited facility, it was very important for us to be part of the first “Get Moving” week and we will continue to do so from now on. We are always trying to promote the benefits of healthy living and exercise as it helps people to feel good about themselves both physically and mentally. As well as this, we also feel that it helps to break down social barriers for disabled people or who experience mental health issues. That is why the Get Moving week was very important to us to help reach out to people."

This awareness week has proved a huge success, with a number of service users now accessing the facility on a weekly basis.

For further information about the inclusive fitness provision at Chesterfield College, please contact Karl Smith on 01246 500579 or to find out more about the IFI please contact the IFI Head Office on: 0114 2572062 (add prefix 18001 for Typetalk).

Bookmark with: (what's this?)