Class hailed pain-free success

New Joint Effort classes have been hailed a success after almost 100 residents’ benefit from sessions.

Joint Effort, which began on 3^rd February has been so popular that organisers are having to run four sessions instead of just one which was originally planned.

The classes are designed to help residents struggling with arthritis to learn techniques which will help them live a less painful life. They are gentle exercise classes which help participants to strengthen and mobilise arthritic joints and are led by a qualified instructor who is on hand to offer help, advice, and education on a personal basis.

Thanks to Versus Arthritis and Sport England, Redditch Borough Council’s Sports Development Team were able to offer this programme for free for the initial 12 weeks and over 90 residents took up the offer to manage their pain through exercise.

Classes take place every Thursday, with two running from 1.15pm to 2.15pm, and two from 2.15pm-3.15pm at The Windmill Centre - Ryegrass Lane, Walkwood, Redditch, B97 5YE.

Portfolio Holder for Leisure Services, Cllr Joanne Beecham, said: “These classes have been an incredible success. I was fortunate enough to visit one of the classes and from talking to the participants, it is clear that the sessions are really helping them to not only manage their pain but become more mobile too. Congratulations to the Sports Development team for such a success. I hope the participants see big improvements over the remaining weeks of the course.”

Both the NHS and Versus Arthritis advocate exercise as a way to manage the symptoms of arthritis.

To discuss the sessions and find out if they would be suitable for you, please contact the Sports Development Team on 01527 881404 or email Hayley.gwilliam@bromsgroveandredditch.gov.uk