A programme which encourages activity among older people has celebrated its nine month anniversary with tales of “huge success”.

The Active Community Mondays scheme, which is run at Harrow Leisure Centre, gives older people the chance to meet others in a fun, safe environment and seeks to tackle feelings of isolation and loneliness.

It has grown to approximately 20 dedicated members attending each week. They have all seen significant physical progress and have also embraced the social aspect of the scheme.

Navin Seneviratne, Community Development Manager at the programme operator Everyone Active, recalled one instance of a man who previously had great difficulty walking.

He explained how the man can now attend sessions without the aid of a walking stick and one of his neighbours attributed this improvement to the work put in on Mondays.

Another attendee, Louise Higgins, noted: “I have been attending the sessions for nine months and they have significantly improved my flexibility and mobility. And I love the social aspect as it has allowed me to meet new people.”

A typical session begins with an introductory hour in which participants socialise whilst enjoying the free tea, coffee and biscuits provided.

A group mobility class is then lead by a GP referral manager, consisting of gentle mobility exercises aimed at improving strength, flexibility and balance, before either a Qi Qong or Tai Chi session.

After lunch, there is a talk lead by an organisation such as Harrow Police discussing ways to stay safe at home, or a nutritionist discussing the importance of good nutrition.

Sessions run every Monday from 10am-2pm and cost £4 per person. For more information, email harrowinfo@everyoneactive.com or call 020 8901 5980.