Last year, a challenging time for the whole world and our county, the GBA Awards recognised the fantastic contribution of local individuals and organisations to the mental and physical wellbeing of Berkshire residents. The 'Berkshire physical activity lockdown hero', a campaign celebrating the 9th GBA Awards' winners on BBC Radio Berkshire and social media, united residents, communities and activity providers around the joy and importance of physical activity and helped keep spirits high in the county during the winter lockdown.
This year, as we are recovering from the pandemic, the 10th GBA Awards will continue recognising individuals and organisations that contributed to a healthier and more resilient Berkshire. There is one award category – the 'Berkshire physical activity hero'.
Moving with Confidence Initiative
The Sport and Leisure team at Wokingham Borough Council has and still is supporting residents through a new initiative named 'Moving with Confidence' which started during the first national lockdown (Summer 2020). The volunteer sector and Adult Social Care (ASC) were seeing a rise in concerns over residents that were shielding and physically deconditioning, placing them at a higher risk of falls.
The team are fully trained in falls prevention and delivered the successful 'Steady Steps' prevention programme. They worked alongside volunteer groups (The LINK and Age UK) to offer residents free one-to-one falls prevention exercise programmes to help increase confidence and physical strength. With the success of this project, ASC secured a year's funding, and an operational group was established which allowed for referrals from volunteer groups, community physios and community navigators. In resident's homes the team were able to see first-hand any additional needs and additional sessions in the community, such as chair-based exercise, boccia, movement to music and tea dances for those with dementia.
"There has been no other service like this across Berkshire and I am very proud of the work that the team have and are still providing to contribute to such an important issue within our borough in this challenging time." – Susan Bentley, Team Manager.
