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Second trial site in national UKRI project to explore active ageing solutions

A health and wellbeing studio has opened at a Salvation Army site in Kirklees as part of a trial to make exercise more accessible for older adults.

The Legacy Active Gold suite, which features specialist power assisted exercise equipment from Huddersfield based manufacturer, Innerva, has been developed by the social enterprise Legacy Sport to promote active ageing in the community.

Targeting the over 55s, Legacy Active Gold is housed in the Salvation Army Community Hall in Mirfield. The self-contained suite has been supported with additional funding from the local NHS delivery partner, Locala, with an additional support from the Kirklees Council innovation fund.

Local Councillor Martyn Bolt who was instrumental in helping find a location for Legacy Active Gold commented: “It is important as we get older to maintain physical activity. I am grateful that Mirfield has been supported with this equipment and investment from all parties and I’m really looking forward to seeing the impact it has for our ageing population.”

The suite features eight pieces of Innerva’s power assisted equipment which cater for all abilities with settings and features designed to guide users through effective and safe exercise routines. Wheelchair accessible, the facility sits adjacent to a welcoming refreshment area where users can socialise after their exercise sessions.

Kim Leadbeater MP for Batley and Spen, and Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Sport, was one of the first people to visit the site. The former college lecturer and fitness instructor said: “This is a fantastic facility which provides a great opportunity for people of all abilities to work on their mobility, strength and overall health and wellbeing, and is an excellent example of private and voluntary stakeholders working together to improve the health of our community.”

“Promoting mobility and exercise for older people works towards preventing more serious health complications later in life. And the Salvation Army is a great local facility which also provides a social space to make movement and exercise enjoyable with brilliant mental health benefits.”

Opening for a trial period of 12 months, the Mirfield suite will run five days a week with staff present at all times to support and guide users through their sessions. The trial aims to assess the impact of the Legacy Active Gold model on the community and its impact for rollout in other areas of Kirklees.

“After 12 years of improving the health and wellbeing of young people, we are delighted to be working with Innerva to keep the over 55’s mobile, healthy and increasingly independent. We believe the combination of our power assisted exercise suite and social space will ensure the Legacy Active Gold project makes a positive difference to the lives of our customers,” says Shaun Fox, CEO of Legacy Sport.

Donna Oldman, Social Impact Manager at Locala, said: “Locala Health and Wellbeing are delighted to support Legacy Gold Active to create this much-needed health and wellness hub for older adults and those affected by long-term health conditions. As local health care providers, we understand how important initiatives such as this are for local people who want to keep active and stay connected. Supporting our communities to live well and age well is one of our key priorities and we are thrilled to be part of this exciting new venture.”

The new site also forms part of the UK Health and Innovation (UKRI) project led by Innerva, which explores new solutions that promote active ageing. This is the second venue to take part in the UKRI trial following the launch of Everyone Active’s Active Wellbeing studio in Middlesborough this summer.

“We are looking forward to working with Shaun and the team on the UKRI trial. This important project aims to give operators and community organisations the tools to help people remain independent and socially connected for as long as possible, while improving accessibility for older people and those with long term health conditions,” says Jon Hymus, Managing Director of Innerva.

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PHOTO (L-R): Image L to R: Corps Officer Andrea Still, Salvation Army; Major Alec Still, Salvation Army; Ali Thornton-Dean, Salvation Army Assistant Director, Older People’s services; Councillor Vivien Lees-Hamilton; Alex Dailly, Operations Director, Innerva; Councillor Itrat Ali; Donna Oldman, Social Impact Manager, Locala; Shaun Fox, CEO Legacy Sport and Councillor Adam Gregg.