Active Futures
a physical health and peer support programme to combat frailty and MSK conditions promoting strength, balance and independence in later life
Meeting twice a week for 12 weeks, the Active Futures programme is designed to enable participants to remain active and independent in their homes.
Join us in a safe environment while you learn about preventing falls and staying healthy as we age. Stay for a coffee and chat and enjoy some peer support from your fellow participants.
Are you:
- aged 65 and over?
- at risk of a fall or have fallen in the past?
- living in Wrexham?
- nervous or anxious after a fall?
If you meet any of these criteria and are able to stand up from a chair as well as walk for 2 minutes with or without a walking aid, then you can self-refer yourself to our Active Futures programme.
Our physiotherapist led group exercise sessions promote:
muscle strength
balance
postural stability
flexibility
heart & lung function
MSK conditions
social connections
A choice of 4 locations:
Our next Active Futures cohort begins in May 2024. There are four locations to choose from with two classes each week. Please note that attendance at both classes for your location is mandatory to realise the full benefits of the Active Futures programme.
Penley Rainbow Centre
Mondays 10am - 11am & Wednesdays 1pm - 2pm
Whitchurch Road, Penley, LL13 0GB
Brymbo Enterprise Centre
Mondays 2pm - 3pm & Fridays 10am - 11am
Blast Road, Brymbo. LL11 5BT
Ruabon Village Hall
Tuesdays 11:30am - 12:30pm & Thursdays 10am - 11am
Maes Y Llan Lane, Ruabon, LL14 6AD
Acton Community Resource Centre
Wednesdays 10am - 11am & Fridays 2pm - 3pm
Fusilier Way, Wrexham LL13 7YF
Before classes begin, participants will be assessed to collect baseline data and to ensure that the programme is suitable for them. This will take place on the following dates:
- Tuesday 21st May from 9:30am – 12:30pm at Ruabon Village Hall
- Wednesday 22nd May from 9:30am – 12:30pm at Acton Community Resource Centre
- Wednesday 22nd May from 1:30pm – 4:30pm at Penley Rainbow Centre
- Thursday 23rd May from 9:30am – 12:30pm at Brymbo Enterprise Centre
Unable to attend this cohort?
If you are interested in our Active Futures programme but are unable to start in February, then please contact us to join our waiting list for future cohorts.
Contact us today on 01948 830730 to register your interest.
Julia's Story
Julia attended our Active Futures classes in Marchwiel. Here is Julia’s story.
Derrick's Story
Derrick was 87 years old when he attended the Active Futures programmes, is registered partially blind and lives alone.
Prior to starting Active Futures, Derrick had fallen in the past 12 weeks, was having issues with balance and mobility, and feeling concerned about falls.
“I was suffering with dizziness and sciatica and struggling to get into town, I was getting leg spasms after 10 minutes of standing.”
Results from Active Futures shows Derrick has made significant improvements:
- 160% increase in the distance of a 6 minute walk (from 145 meters to 385 meters)
- increase in back scratch by 15cm
- 350% increase in chair stands (from 4 to 18) in a 30 second test
“I got very good advice and physio at Active Futures….
walking and standing is much better now, I felt I was slurping myself along like a drunken man before, but it’s not like that anymore….
in May when my daughter and I went to Eastbourne, we were standing for quite a while and it spoiled it because I was in too much pain. I couldn’t appreciate it, but I could now, and I would be very happy to go again….
it’s been fantastic!”
Derrick
Impact & evaluation
The Active Futures pilot took place in 2022 with incredible results.
100% of participants improved during the programme not only decreasing the time they took to complete activities but also making significant improvements to their stamina, confidence, and overall feelings of wellbeing. All participants also reported a reduction in concerns and anxiety around falls and mobility.
The Social Return on Investment for the Active Futures programme is £1 : £9.37
Here are the results of the functional fitness test:
100% participants improved with an average of an additional 6 chair raises being performed, from 10 to 16 stands
91% of participants saw an improvement in reach. Average improvement by an additional reach in over 9cm
89% of participants improved their back scratch reach, with an average improvement of 8.6cm
100% participants were able to reduce their time taken to complete the test, with an average of 8.5 seconds improvement seen
100% of participants improved upon their time able to maintain a single leg stance, with an average increase of over 7 seconds.
100% participants increased their walking distance from baseline to follow up; average distance travelled increased by 105m.
In addition to physical improvements, participants also saw positive improvements in their mental health and wellbeing.
For more information on our Active Futures programme, to book in or to add your name to the waiting list for a future cohort, please get in touch:
