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

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest East Renfrewshire News

Potential changes to permitted development rights are putting beloved live music venues at risk

The public are urged to take part in the Scottish Government's consultation on planning laws, warning that the changes could put the country's live music venues and pubs at risk. 

The Saltires 2025 Shortlists Announced

The shortlisted titles for this year’s Saltires, Scotland’s National Book Awards, were announced at Blackwell’s bookshop in Edinburgh.

KT Tunstall wins Modern Scottish Classic Award, plus SAY Award Shortlist reveal

The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award has unveiled the 10 Shortlisted albums now in the running for 2025’s title and £20,000 prize, as well as five Sound of Young Scotland finalists.

Loch Lomond Shores has got the October school holidays sorted

There's loads to see and do – from pet friendly days out to breakfast with dinosaurs, loch tours and much more!

Scottish Wedding Show turns up the heat as it returns to the SEC

Scotland's largest wedding showcase, The Scottish Wedding Show, returns to Glasgow this weekend, ready to welcome thousands of couples from across the country looking to plan their dream day!

Keela and Mountaineering Scotland launch new campaign

Keela, the Scottish outdoor clothing brand, and Mountaineering Scotland Launch ‘Within You’, an new three-month campaign, inspiring Confidence, Connection, and Adventure in the Outdoors!

Book Week Scotland 2025 programme announced

Scotland's national celebration of books, Book Week Scotland, returns from 17th to 23rd November and tickets are on sale now!

Dobbies donates Christmas trees to local communities

Dobbies Garden Centres is lifting community spirits this season with a Christmas tree donation across the country, in partnership with Needlefresh.

Football legends lace up for 150 mile charity walk inspired by Marcus Stewart, Stephen Darby and the late Doddie Weir

Former Celtic and Scotland football heroes to join ex-player with MND on 150-mile March of The Day to raise funds to help tackle the disease.

First winners announced for GUITARGUITAR Scottish Music Awards

Amy MacDonald, Hue and Cry, Nathan Evans and The Saint PHNX Band, Skipinnish, Shay O'Dowd and James Emmanuel are among the first winners to be announced for the GUITARGUITAR Scottish Music Awards!

Step into stories of Scotland this October with Living History

Scotland’s colourful past bursts to life this October as Historic Environment Scotland (HES) returns with its popular Living History programme for the school holidays.

Sport and physical activity champions recognised at awards

Sports and physical activity champions from across East Renfrewshire have been recognised for their contributions.

Autumn events at Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection

Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection have launched new offerings designed for cosy coastal retreats and joyful pre-festive celebrations.

Scottish Women and Girls in Sport Week launches to inspire the nation with Find Your Fit campaign

The Scottish Government's Women and Girls in Sport Week launches this week, celebrating the power of movement and encouraging women and girls of all ages to get active in ways that work for them.

Unlimited adventures for less than a tank of petrol

With the October school holidays fast approaching, ScotRail has unveiled a new, affordable way for families to make the most of the break!

Seachdain na Gaidhlig (World Gaelic Week) 2026 launches with rallying call to use it, or lose it

Seachdain na Gàidhlig will return in 2026, under the banner Use It or Lose It – and organisers are encouraging people across Scotland and the global diaspora to get behind the rallying cry.

Brits brewing up a storm: Macdonald Hotels reports coffee surge

Brits are now picking up the cafetière, with Macdonald Hotels & Resorts revealing a 10% rise in coffee sales across its 32 UK hotels and resorts in the past year.

Spooky season brings horror icons and vampire romance back to the big screen at Vue

Some of the latest horror blockbusters – alongside creepy classics, enchanting family favourites and the ever-popular Twilight Saga – will all be heading to Vue venues this Halloween.

Christmas Launch Weekend at Dobbies Garden Centres marks the start of the festive season

Christmas has come early as Dobbies Garden Centres kicks off the season in style at its Christmas Launch Weekend which takes place from Thursday 9th to Monday 13th October.

CCC treats audiences to a frightfully delightful family concert this Halloween

Children's Classic Concerts return with their popular Halloween concert performances in Glasgow and Edinburgh later this month!

Braehead secures SuperPark, Global Leisure Brand, for its UK debut

Global indoor leisure and recreation concept SuperPark will make its UK debut at Braehead Shopping Centre, bringing experience-led leisure to the centre next year!

East Renfrewshire Libraries announce thrilling events for Dead Good October

East Renfrewshire libraries have lined up a series of thrilling events for Dead Good October, featuring author events, crime cafes, Harry Potter Day, family fun and more!

SAY Award Longlist announced including Jacob Alon, Kathryn Joseph, Mogwai and more

The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award, Scotland's national music prize, has today revealed the 20 outstanding albums on 2025's Longlist.

Beatson Cancer Charity and Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service join forces for Blood Cancer Awareness Month

For the first time, Beatson Cancer Charity has joined forces with the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service to highlight the vital role blood donors play in the treatment of blood cancers.

Young readers celebrate reading challenge success

Hundreds of young readers in East Renfrewshire are celebrating after completing this year's Summer Reading Challenge!

Netherlee nurse praises life changing local fitness programme

A retired midwife from Netherlee has praised her local gym for “totally transforming her life”.

Green Flag flies in Cowan Park for first time

The Green Flag has been raised in Cowan Park for the first time, following the Barrhead park being awarded the accolade this summer.

Singer Peter Cox set for intimate show at Eastwood Theatre

Eastwood Theatre has announced an intimate show with singer-songwriter Peter Cox.

Spooky season returns to town with the announcement of Paisley Halloween Festival 2025

Paisley Halloween Festival will return to town next month to celebrate the spooky season with a packed programme of frightful fun for all the family!

Edinburgh Spanish Film Festival returns for its 12th edition

Edinburgh Spanish Film Festival returns for its 12th edition on the big screen in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Stirling and Inverness from 1st to 19th October 2025.

Popular Listings

Eastwood Park Theatre Rouken Glen Park East Renfrewshire HSCP Walking Groups Greenbank House and Garden Dams to Darnley Country Park Whitelee Windfarm Visitor Centre

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.

Sponsored Links

Latest East Renfrewshire News

Sponsored Links

Sponsored Links

Popular Events

Popular Listings