Be Active RCT – helping people to get healthier and stay connected during lockdown

Daily online health and wellbeing sessions are helping residents across Rhondda Cynon Taf to get active and stay connected during lockdown.

Yoga, gardening, chair aerobics, dance, crafting and Pilates are just some of the sessions being delivered by Be Active RCT via the digital platform Zoom and one to one support sessions.

The Be Active RCT programme aims to improve health and increase active lifestyles by offering easy to access fun activities in the community. It provides wellbeing advice and sessions tailored to individuals’ needs, alongside supportive, fun, social groups.

Due to the restrictions imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic, the programme was keen to diversify to keep in touch with people and ensure they were supported to stay physically and mentally well.

Using its Facebook page, the programme decided to deliver its classes online and promote its work digitally. It has also provided one to one support over the telephone and via video chat to connect with its participants.
Steph Duffy, Health and Wellbeing Officer at local housing association RHA, who is part of the team leading sessions, said, “It’s more important now than ever to take care of our health, and keep active by trying new activities and ensuring we stay connected with each another.

“We were really keen to keep offering our health and wellbeing classes in the best way we could and although it’s a different way of working, we’ve had great fun delivering our sessions online.

“It’s so lovely to stay engaged with existing participants of our Be Active RCT programme as well as warmly welcoming new people and supporting them to stay motivated and active in the comfort of their own homes.”
The Be Active RCT team run daily sessions online that you can sign up for in advance. There are a variety of activities on offer from arts & crafts, gardening, quizzes, social events, yoga, aerobics, circuits and dance to suit all abilities.  

Or if you just fancy a cuppa and a chat, you can join in the Wellbeing session with Steph which takes place every Wednesday. This session offers tips on healthy living during lockdown and short taster sessions in relaxation techniques which can help reduce anxiety and aid better sleep.

The sessions are open to everyone and suit all ages and all abilities with the overall goal to improve wellness and reduce social isolation.

Steph added; “These sessions are open to everyone in the community and can really help to not only improve health and wellbeing but to provide a vital connection with others during this challenging time. I know how difficult social isolation can be and this can make a difference to people, particularly those who live alone.
“I’d like to say a big thank you to those who have already joined us online and look forward to welcoming even more. Check out the Be Active RCT Facebook page and view all the sessions and support available. Please get in touch and give it a go!”

The Be Active RCT programme was launched in July 2019. It is delivered in partnership by RHA, Interlink RCT, Ynysbwl Regeneration Partnership, Spectacle Theatre, Active Nutrition, Cambrian Village Trust and Volunteering Matters. The project is funded by Welsh Government, Sport Wales and Public Health Wales, through their Healthy and Active Fund (HAF).
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For more information and to register for a class, please see the Be Active RCT Facebook page www.facebook.com/BeActiveRCT/ email [email protected] or call 01443 424272.

There is a timetable available online. Please register at 24 hours before a session.