Anglesey’s leisure service - Môn Actif, in partnership with social services, recently hosted an open day aimed at getting more people over 50 years old active.
The free event at Holyhead Leisure Centre included a variety of different fitness and leisure activities, including:
- racquet sports (badminton, pickleball and squash)
- group exercise classes
- Pilates
- arts and crafts
Partner organisations including Age Cymru Gwynedd a Môn, Carers Trust, Citizens Advice Bureau, Digital Communities Wales, Gorwel, HOPE, Môn CF, Run Wales, Tai Môn, Llais Cymru and Direct Payments also attended the open day.
These organisations, alongside officers from the county council’s housing and library service, provided participants with information about local services and opportunities within their communities.
The activities were led by a team of Môn Actif fitness professionals and saw around sixty over 50s taking part in the various fitness exercises and leisure activities on offer.
Eban Geal, who works as the Dementia Officer for Môn Actif, said, “We are delighted to provide this type of fitness and leisure opportunities for Anglesey residents. The open day at Holyhead Leisure Centre highlighted the inclusive activities and provision that is currently available to people over the age of 50.”
He added, “The feedback we have received from participants have been incredible. We have seen individuals’ confidence improve since taking part in the activities, which will in-turn, hopefully encourage them to further participation in fitness and leisure activities.”
The open day at Holyhead Leisure Centre was organised following a series of successful events held across other leisure centres on the island.
Leisure, Tourism and Maritime Portfolio Holder, Councillor Neville Evans explained, “The open day at Holyhead highlights the vast number of inclusive activities that is available to residents across Anglesey.”
He added, “The county council’s Aging Well Strategy 2022 to 2027 underlines the need for the council to support people of all ages to live and age well. Events such as this highlights our commitment to achieve this aim. I would like to that all the staff, partner organisations and of course participants for attending the fantastic open day at Holyhead.”
Sioned Young, Anglesey’s Age Friendly Communities Development Officer, was delighted with the success of the open day, she added:
"It's great to see collaboration work like this taking part within the council and with external partners to give valuable experiences for older people to socialise, have a go at something new, and access information to help them age well in the community."
For more information about future events or the services on offer please contact: EbanGeal@anglesey.gov.wales
Ends 30 January 2024
Note to editors
Information stalls were arranged following engagement work carried out by Age Friendly Anglesey. Feedback received identified a need by individuals and organisations for more opportunities to share and receive face-to-face information within the community.