New British Gymnastics Foundation Love to Move Programme Launches at The Sands Centre to Support Older Adults and Those Living with Cognitive Impairments

The Sands Centre is delighted to announce the launch of the British Gymnastics Foundation's Love to Move programme, thanks to funding secured through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).

Love to Move is an innovative movement programme specifically designed to help older people stay active, improve cognitive function, and maintain independence. The programme combines gymnastic foundation skills, cognitive stimulation activities, and social interaction, all delivered in a fun and engaging environment through music and movement.

Developed by the British Gymnastics Foundation, Love to Move incorporates bilaterally asymmetrical movement patterns and coordination exercises that are understood to benefit older adults, including those living with dementia, Parkinson's disease, and other forms of cognitive impairment. These exercises encourage the left and right sides of the brain to process information independently, helping to improve coordination, cognitive function, memory, and the ability to carry out everyday activities with greater confidence and independence.

The programme will be delivered by Chloe Nixon, Community Sports Manager at The Sands Centre, who has successfully completed the specialist training required to become a qualified Love to Move instructor.

Following the success of the senior activity programme she established and continues to run at The Sands Centre, Chloe was keen to introduce an initiative that would further support members of the community who may feel excluded from traditional exercise opportunities.

Chloe said:

"Having seen first-hand the positive impact that regular physical activity and social interaction can have on older adults, I wanted to bring something even more inclusive to our community. Love to Move offers a unique approach that supports both physical and cognitive wellbeing, while creating opportunities for people to connect with others in a welcoming and supportive environment. We hope it will help reach those who may have felt that exercise wasn't for them and show that movement can be enjoyable, accessible and beneficial for everyone."

The weekly Love to Move sessions will take place at The Sands Centre every Monday from 12:00pm to 1:00pm, providing participants with a welcoming and supportive space to enjoy movement, improve wellbeing and build social connections. The programme is suitable for older adults of varying abilities and is designed to be accessible and inclusive for all participants.

The launch of Love to Move reflects The Sands Centre's ongoing commitment to improving health and wellbeing across the community and providing opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to participate in meaningful physical activity.

Anyone interested in finding out more or booking a place on the programme is encouraged to contact The Sands Centre for further information.

For more information, please contact Chloe Nixon, Community Sports Manager, at chloe.nixon@gll.org 

The Sands Centre looks forward to welcoming participants to the programme and helping more people experience the physical, cognitive and social benefits of Love to Move.