How can I travel there? Expand We appreciate that living in such a rural county, it can be hard to access these opportunities. We will be focusing more on market towns, but will deliver classes in rural areas where there is enough people to fill a class. Whilst we cannot provide transport for you, we have established links with local community transport buses and where possible, we have tried to arrange the sessions when these buses are available. We will provide the contact for this with your invitation if it is available, for you to make contact with them.
What if I live outside the authority area? Expand Shropshire Council have subsidised the cost of classes for their residents, or those that are registered with a Shropshire GP. If you live outside of this area, you are still welcome to attend the programme, but the charge will be £5 per session. Telford & Wrekin residents will be charged £5 unless they have a Shropshire Authority area GP.
What if I decide to drop out? Expand Whilst we hope you feel the benefit, we understand that sometimes other aspects of life take over. We would really appreciate you letting us know if you are no longer able to attend the sessions, so someone else can benefit from your place. You are welcome to get in touch if you wish to start again at another time (although we may need a new referral). We really welcome any feedback, as this is a ‘pilot’ project and we are keen to learn.
What if I can’t come one week? Expand We understand you may not be able to attend every session and you aren’t expected to pay for those that you can’t attend, but if there is a problem, please let us know. If you don’t attend for 2 sessions, we will be in touch, just to check everything is ok and see if we can help.
What do I need to wear or bring? Expand We suggest you wear comfortable clothing that you can move about in and flat footwear. There is no need to buy sports or fitness clothing. All equipment will be provided as part of the session. When you are ready, your instructor will provide you with an ‘Otago’ booklet which will help you to complete the exercises at home to help you progress. There may be an opportunity to purchase an exercise band affordably from the instructor if you wish to, but you can buy these on the internet as well and in local sports shops as well, just check which strength of the band is right for you with your instructor.
How is my personal information being kept? Expand We are committed to keeping your personal information safe. The referral form has a section where we gain consent from you to keep and share your details with those who can help provide a positive experience, e.g. the instructor, or if someone else referred you. You can read our privacy policy here.
When and where are the classes running? Expand The classes are for a set duration of time and only have an average of 12 people, so we are not promoting the individual class locations and times to avoid disappointment. We encourage you to refer if you are interested and we will do our best to find you a class, or set up a new one if there is demand in your area. You are very welcome to contact us to see what is happening in your area. Our details are shown below. Email: [email protected] Call: 07852 871589 or 01743 297191 Address: Elevate, Energize STW, Guildhall, Frankwell Quay, Shrewsbury SY3 8HQ
How do I join a class? Expand We require a referral for you to attend, so please do not turn up to join a class without an invitation. Class numbers are small to ensure that everyone gets the support they need. You may be referred into the programme by someone else, for example, a doctor or physio, but you can refer yourself for a class, please check the referral criteria above to make sure that it is suitable for your needs. You are not able to attend a class without an invitation, so if you arrive without being referred, you will not be able to take part. To request a class, please contact us, our details are shown below. Email: [email protected] Call: 07852 871589 or 01743 297191 Address: Elevate, Energize STW, Guildhall, Frankwell Quay, Shrewsbury SY3 8HQ
How are the Elevate instructors qualified and safe? Expand We have recruited a team of instructors who are highly experienced in delivery activity and most importantly, enthusiastic about working with adults and mature populations. All of the instructors have completed an intensive seven month training course and are qualified in ‘Postural Stability Instruction’, a level 4 qualification, delivered by Later Life Training. The instructors are delivering the classes on a self-employed basis, are trained in first aid and we have provided a safeguarding training course in partnership with Shropshire Partners in Care. All instructors will complete risk assessments and have insurance.
Will you use my pictures anywhere? Expand Occasionally during the project, we may collect some pictures or videos to help promote the project. We will always check who would enjoy being part of this and you do not have to be involved in anyway. We always ensure we have consent from anyone we wish to include in promotions.
How much will the Elevate classes cost? Expand The classes cost £3 per session, and are ‘pay as you go’, which means you will pay the instructor weekly as you attend and you will sign the register when you arrive. There also will be light refreshments provided and if you choose to you, you can make a donation. All of the income will be invested back into the project to enable more classes to take place. The cost of the sessions has been subsidised by funding from Shropshire council for residents who live in the Shropshire Council area If you progress to other activities following completion of the course, these costs may vary, although we will also encourage free activities such as walking and home exercise.
Compliments, queries and challenges Expand This is a new pilot project and is very much about learning. We really encourage you to get in touch to let us know your thoughts, challenges and suggestions. You can find our contact details here (add link)
What is the referral, or eligibility criteria? Expand We are funded to work with people to improve their strength, balance and coordination, and this is a preventative class. Inclusion criteria The participant should answer yes to the following: Able to understand instruction? Able to travel to take part in activity in the community? Able to take part in seated and standing activity? Exclusion Criteria Severe hearing loss. Severe visual impairment. Suspected medical conditions that have not been investigated. Difficulties with mobility that will affect ability to participate in standing and seated exercise. The classes are designed to be delivered in a group setting and whilst we understand participants may have a variety of needs, if someone is deemed as needing more 121 support due to an advanced condition e.g. dementia, unfortunately they are not appropriate for these classes. Those who are not fortunate enough to be deemed too able / active to benefit from the sessions, we will do our best to identify alternative opportunities to attend. We are in the process of creating a list of activities across Shropshire, and there are other organisations locally who can help.