It was absolutely brilliant:). Thank you – Monika Papaj
By Gill Stewart at
Our innovative bespoke on line training for rehabilitation teams has helped one group of exercise referral specialists who work across North Yorks in the Hambleton, Harrogate and Richmondshire districts to keep people on their feet despite the current COVID 19 situation. The team from North Yorks sport are pictured above delivering a pre COVID session but during the recent pandemic restrictions these established Strong and Steady classes have had to be postponed.
So, North Yorkshire Sport were looking to support the instructors to be able to deliver age appropriate activity and reduce the effect of deconditioning due to reduced activity levels. They intend to introduce Activator pole walking to some of their clients until Strong and Steady classes are ok to resume. Going forward this activity will be yet another opportunity for graduates of the Strong and Steady programme to take part in on a regular basis.
North Yorkshire Sport have been running the Strong and Steady programme in the county for the last 2 years, see here for more details Funded by North Yorkshire County Council’s public health team and Stronger Communities programme, the project supports older people in the county in accessing existing opportunities for physical activity and providing new tailored exercise and activity where needed.
The main aim is to increase physical activity among people aged 65-plus to reduce falls, but through the use of trained instructors and partner organisations the classes are also expected to help to reduce loneliness and to improve mental wellbeing, as well as aiming to:
Like many similar organisations across the UK, the team were keen to introduce some effective pole walking interventions but sending staff on training courses or even getting them together is simply not possible. This new training concept developed by the WALX Tutor team following massive success with a similar concept for physios is the perfect solution. Martin Christie Education Director for WALX said ” The course is delivered over two interactive webinar sessions so there is no need for the team to be in the same location, it includes a set of Activator poles for each learner as they need to practice and work with the Tutor during the sessions. We use the Activator poles because they have a core ledge which is perfect for balance and falls prevention and becoming the most effective way to introduce safe, easy to learn community pole walking classes. They are also easy to clean so perfect for managing current restrictions around sharing straps and equipment.”
The learners all enjoyed the experience and as the team have invested in a second set of poles for them to use with clients – they will be using their new found skills with clients straight away
Here a few of their comments::
Thank you so much for this week’s Activator pole online course.
Me and the team in Harrogate really enjoyed it and it was perfect for our needs. We can see how to safely incorporate the poles both in our one to one work and in a group setting either class based or outdoors and covering the clinical groups was really helpful-I think our clients will benefit enormously 🙂 The online aspect meant no travel time or accommodation needed which is great for us working freelance. Aside from possibly missing some practice time and the ‘group’ element (although having half the team here helped us personally with that) I couldn’t fault it. We can get together to practice more and can’t wait to get started using the poles! – Vicki Watson
I really enjoyed the learning process… it was still extremely interactive & the format suited my learning style. Thank you – Louise Lowe
It was absolutely brilliant:). Thank you – Monika Papaj
Really enjoyed it very informative and inspirational. Many thanks – Carol Rowson
We say welcome aboard and we look forward with supporting you to get more people on their feet in the future!
For more information on our training options and bespoke community courses e maill Gill@walx.co.uk