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

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