Vitality programme gives locals a new lease of life
East Renfrewshire residents who joined a targeted exercise programme for people living with medical conditions have vowed to continue prioritising their health and wellbeing in 2025.
Article Source: East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure
Last Updated: 17 January 2025 12:35
East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure's Vitality programme grew by 30% last year, saw over 10000 attendances at classes and welcomed over 200 new participants in 2024, including 60-year-old care worker Jaynie Cohen, from Giffnock. Jaynie was on holiday in Turkey in 2023 when she had a heart attack. She returned to Scotland after two months, had a life-saving operation and is now prioritising fitness to support her recovery.
Jaynie said: “What I've been through is life changing. I should, unfortunately, not be here but luckily, I got a five way bypass that saved my life.
“At first, I wasn't very sure about coming to the Vitality classes. I had my operation, attended the rehabilitation classes and thought that was great, but now I prioritise attending two Vitality classes every week, swimming twice a week at Eastwood Park Leisure and I'm going to start back at the gym, too. Moving is the most important thing and the classes are fantastic as you're doing the right exercises for the right parts of your body. It's the small things and the right exercises that make a difference and keep your body flexible. The instructors are professional, on the ball and on top of the medical side of things - one instructor takes the class while another keeps an eye on the class so they can help if you need it, and they motivate you. That's why I love coming to the classes. Life is too short and you need to look after your body. This is a second chance at life for me.”
East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure partners with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and East Renfrewshire Health and Social Care Partnership to deliver the Vitality programme to local communities. The exercise classes are led by East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure's Active Health and Wellbeing team's highly skilled and qualified instructors, who support participants with medical conditions including Parkinson's disease, cardiac conditions and more. Weekly classes take place in Clarkston, Eastwood and Barrhead, offering exercise, with four different levels depending on ability. All classes increase fitness levels, improving strength, balance and overall fitness and support people in keeping active and connected.
Kenneth Aird, from Clarkston, also joined the Vitality programme last year, following a heart attack in 2023. He praised the Vitality classes for the positive impact on his mental health. Kenneth said: “It's brilliant and gives the physical activity I need, but you also get the social interaction as well. Before I started Vitality, I was in a dark place after the heart attack and living alone. Getting out and meeting other people at the classes has been a big help. I come along to Clarkston Hall on a Monday and Carmichael Hall on a Wednesday and have joined a bowling club through people I've met at the classes. The instructors know what's what and can step in and help.”
Malcom Burns, from Giffnock, was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease last year and joined the Vitality classes, attending two or three classes per week. He said: “The exercise helps my condition and, if I didn't do it, I think I would get worse. It's beneficial and you meet lots of people. We enjoy the classes and have a good laugh, it's fun as well as the health benefits. Doing exercise as part of a group rather than on your own is much better.”
East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure's Chief Executive Anthony McReavy said: “We're very proud of our Vitality programme and the support our Active Health and Wellbeing team provides in our local community. The programme can be a lifeline to our participants, helping them to stay active and healthy and connecting them with others who have faced similar experiences and challenges. We look forward to another successful year of our Vitality programme in 2025.”
For more information on Vitality, visit: www.ercultureandleisure.org
Sponsored Links
Latest East Renfrewshire News
Barrhead Belters spread Christmas cheer across East Renfrewshire
The Barrhead Belters, a choir formed through East Ren Health and Social Care Partnership Community Pathways service, are bringing festive spirit to care homes and community events this Christmas!
READ MORE
Braehead Shopping Centre is your place for festive fashion, food and fun this Christmas
Christmas is in full swing at Braehead Shopping Centre, and Scotland's leading retail and leisure destination is once again the place to celebrate the magic of the festive season!
READ MORE
Renfrewshire and Ayrshire and Arran Lieutenancies host Together at Christmas Community Carol Service
This year, Renfrewshire along with Inverclyde, East Renfrewshire and Ayrshire will join communities across the UK in hosting a 'Together at Christmas' Community Carol Service in Paisley Abbey.
READ MORE
DF Concerts & Events launches The DF Academy
DF Concerts launches the DF Academy to strengthen pathways between education and Scotland's live music & events industry.
READ MORE
Win your way to the IRN BRU Carnival
The Duck Hunt is back bigger and better with over 150 ducks hidden across Glasgow and beyond!
READ MORE
Newton Mearns resident crowned as Citizen of the Year 2025
A volunteer who makes an outstanding contribution to diversity and inclusion in East Renfrewshire has been awarded the Provost Award to celebrate her community leadership.
READ MORE
Greenbank Garden nears completion of major daffodil restoration project
Trust staff and volunteers have planted over 70,000 daffodil bulbs at the historic Greenbank Garden as part of the Donate a Daffodil appeal.
READ MORE
DF Concerts & Events celebrates a year of sustainable and inclusive events
DF Concerts & Events is celebrating the success of their sustainability initiatives delivered across their major summer events in 2025.
READ MORE
Step into Christmas at Dalmeny Park with special festive menus and afternoon teas this December
Dalmeny Park is pulling out all the stops to make this festive season truly magical, unveiling its 2025 festive dining menus and afternoon teas available until 23rd December.
READ MORE
Scottish jazz talent in tune as award winners unveiled
The Scottish Jazz Awards 2025 celebrated the cream of the crop in the jazz scene on Sunday night, honouring outstanding artists and contributors at a memorable ceremony in Glasgow.
READ MORE
Anna Campbell Jones launches small batch Scottish botanical rum distilled in Glasgow
Interior designer, BBC Scotland's Home of the Year judge and entrepreneur Anna Campbell-Jones has released her first spirit.
READ MORE
Enjoy East Ren announces Winterfest programme
Enjoy East Ren has announced its Winterfest programme, packed full of Christmas cheer, with festive events for all the family.
READ MORE
Family run Jackton Distillery unveils bumper festive programme for 2025
Jackton Distillery, the family run Lowland distillery behind the RAER whisky, spirits and wine portfolio, has announced a packed Christmas calendar for December 2025.
READ MORE
Name the Loganair Christmas puffin and win a family adventure
Loganair, the UK’s leading regional airline, has launched a new festive competition to name the puffin starring in its emotional Christmas advert.
READ MORE
Festive fun on the farm at the National Museum of Rural Life
Celebrate the season with festive fun for the whole family at the National Museum of Rural Life.
READ MORE
Braehead celebrates bright young business stars this Christmas
Scotland's premier retail destination, Braehead Shopping Centre, today announce that this Christmas they will again welcome the Young Enterprise Christmas Trade Fayre.
READ MORE
East Renfrewshire to introduce 20mph speed limits to improve road safety
East Renfrewshire Council is set to reduce the speed limit on more than 1,100 residential streets and school zones to 20mph in an effort to make roads in the local authority safer for everyone.
READ MORE
Loch Lomond Shores Christmas Festival is a Christmas cracker this year!
A family rollercoaster, giant snow globe, rides, stalls, street food and live entertainment makes Loch Lomond Shores FREE Christmas festival the perfect Christmas day out for all the family!
READ MORE
Zizzi celebrates a fresh era with a new menu and app, by giving 132 people free pasta for one year
Zizzi has introduced a new food & drink menu across all its restaurants, launched a brand-new Zizzi app, and is giving 132 people free pasta for one year.
READ MORE
Festive Season at Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection
Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection have launched some new offerings designed for memorable Christmas stays, spectacular Hogmanay celebrations, and cozy winter escapes.
READ MORE
Authors celebrate Book Week Scotland 2025 at East Renfrewshire Libraries
Libraries across East Renfrewshire celebrated Book Week Scotland (17-23 November 2025) with a series of author events and workshops.
READ MORE
Second year of Urban Forestry Programme opens across Scotland
Community groups, organisations and schools across Scotland are being invited to apply for grants of up to £100,000.
READ MORE
Find a festive backdrop in Glasgow and the West
From frosty gardens to cosy tearooms, National Trust for Scotland places in Glasgow and the West are offering a host of winter experiences and special events this festive season.
READ MORE
Salmon return to Levern Water in Barrhead after 170 years
Salmon have returned to the Levern Water in Barrhead for the first time in 170 years, thanks to an award-winning river restoration project by East Ren Council and SEPA.
READ MORE
The Wizard Wae The Big Bawz: New adult panto brings comedy to Scotland in January
January needn't be a drag as Scotland's brand-new adult panto, The Wizard Wae The Big Bawz, hits the road, arriving just when the country needs a burst of joy!
READ MORE
The Doddie Weir match ball delivery is voted Greatest Murrayfield Moment
Doddie Weir’s emotional match ball delivery at Murrayfield in 2017 has been voted the greatest moment in the stadium’s 100-year history, after thousands of fans took part in a nationwide poll.
READ MORE
New book launches in Busby by local author, Marissa McCudden
Debut author, Marissa McCudden, has launched her new book, 'There's Lots of Different Types of Clever' with illustrator, Michael Spy on Amazon.
READ MORE
Much loved classic Scottish play, The Steamie, is set to return to venues in 2026
The Steamie has been scrubbed up ahead of making a return to theatres across the country next year as part of an exciting new chapter in its long-standing story in the theatre landscape.
READ MORE
Medea to tour Scotland in 2026
Bard in the Botanics will be launching their 25th Anniversary year with a Scotland-wide tour of their award-winning version of Medea, by Kathy McKean (after Euripides).
READ MORE
Imagine Theatre prepares for an exciting season of pantomimes across Scotland
Imagine Theatre proudly presents a spectacular lineup of family pantomimes across Scotland bursting with laughter, music, sparkle, and dance starring some of Scotland's best-loved entertainers!
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links