A partnership between Belfast City Council and H.E.A.R.T (Health, Education and Relaxation Therapy) is boosting the health of older people.

The council, under its Support for Sport scheme, is supporting a wellness class organised by the community based group which encourages older women to exercise.

The class is restarting at Falls Leisure Centre on Monday 1 September.

HEART project co-ordinator, Liz McShane, said:

“It is a gentle exercise class which finishes off with a cup of tea and a chat and we also encourage the women to take part in other activities such as Tai Chi, Yoga, Pool therapy and swimming.

“These activities take place at Shankill Leisure Centre, Divis Community Centre, the Falls Leisure Centre as well as our own premises at the Maureen Sheehan Centre, in Albert Street.”

Councillor Diane Dodds, Chairman of the all-party Older Persons` Working Group said:

“It is a council priority to create a healthy city and that means encouraging everyone to maintain their physical activity for as long as possible. These classes demonstrate that even gentle activity done regularly is of great benefit.

“They are socially beneficial too encouraging older people to enjoy the `craic`. One of the aims of the Council`s Older Persons` Working Group is to improve the lives of older people in Belfast by providing services tailored to their needs.

“We have a range of services that they can tap into including help with putting out the bin, a free bus service to visit Roselawn Cemetery, and free access before 11am in our leisure centres.”