A DEMENTIA-friendly seated gymnastics programme has become so popular a new class has launched.

Love to Move is a scheme helping to transform the lives of people living with dementia in the area.

Katie Wilford who runs the local sessions was trained by the British Gymnastics Foundation during the second lockdown.

Since then, she started three different classes across Southbourne, Chapel Gate and now Christchurch.

And two regular attendees of the classes, Dorothy and Val, have said: “It’s the one thing they look forward to every week.”

Katie said: “All the elements of the class can be adapted to be easier or more challenging depending on the individual. People who have been attending regularly have found there are physical and cognitive benefits but social ones too.

Bournemouth Echo:

“Friendships have been formed by people who give each other support as they understand the challenges each other can be facing. Some people now have lunch together before the class.”

Love to Move is specially designed to get older people moving and functioning better. The programme achieves this by carefully integrating the use of gymnastic foundation skills, cognitive stimulation therapy and social interaction activities.

The classes welcome anyone looking for a gentler form of exercise. Attendees are welcome to bring a career or come alone.

Bournemouth Echo:

Classes are as follows:

Fridays 1.15 – 2.45pm - The Water Lily Café 131 Barrack Road Christchurch BH23 2AW – Launched Friday 29th April

Thursdays 10.15 – 11.45am - Chapel Gate, Near Bournemouth Airport, BH23 6BL

Mondays 1.15 – 2.45pm - Immanuel UR Church 120 Southbourne Road, Southbourne, BH6 3QJ

The first class is always free. Call for more information or to book, Katie Wilford 07446401838.