FEEL

GOOD

FOR LIFE ...

Leisure opportunities for people living with dementia, feeling lonely or low to be active and to socialise.

Halo 20 Years Logo
CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE & FAQs
image

Here at Halo we know it is easy to get stuck indoors and can be hard to get out, get moving and to meet new people.

We also know that those hurdles are huge if you’re caring for family, or living with dementia, feeling low, lonely or at a loose end right now.
So we’re inviting you - one and all - to join us to Wind Down and Work Out through a new series of fabulous, friendly, fun
FEEL GOOD FOR LIFE get togethers on our award winning program.
-->

Join us and enjoy our fun friendly activities with assistance from specially trained staff. Then relax, chat and catch up with new friends over coffee, tea and biscuits.

We’ve combined some take-it-easy favourites - swimming, table tennis and badminton and pots of coffee and tea and biscuits - so it’s the kind of movement you’ll like and the kind we know inspires chat and laughter, good health and mobility, and so boosts those feel-good endorphins. Hands on activities such as arts, crafts and scrapbooking are also available.
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image

But best of all we have loads of other people, like you, who just fancy trying something different, meeting and making new friends, and feeling all the benefits both bring.

Click the titles below to see more information.

  • About the sessions
    The sessions provide opportunities for people living with dementia, depression or loneliness, and their carers to be active and to socialise. The experience has been made better by taking away barriers in order to create a safe, supportive environment which includes:
    • Specially trained staff.
    • Each session is run by an experienced member of staff, exercise/swimming instructor and caters for a range of abilities and ages.
    • Improved signage to help you find your way around Bridgend Life Centre, Ogmore Valley Life Centre, North Cornelly Community Centre & Hereford Leisure Centre where Feel Good for Life activities take place.
    • Use of the larger, unisex changing booths (enabling carers to support clients of different genders)
    Find out more about our Dementia Friendly Swimming at Bridgend Life Centre. Watch our Dementia Friendly Swimming video below.
  • Why take part?
    There is significant evidence to highlight that remaining physically active and mentally stimulated and connected to friends, family & communities, can have on our health and wellbeing.
    For those diagnosed with dementia, it doesn't mean you have to stop doing the activities that you enjoy or stop you trying new things. Research shows that low impact exercise can be beneficial for physical and mental health and can improve the quality of life for people in all stages of dementia. The sessions have many added benefits including:
    • Clear your mind and anxiety.
    • Improve your mood and encourage positive thought.
    • Opportunity to socialise reduce loneliness and have fun.
    • Help to ensure a better night’s sleep.
    • Improvement of motor skills to effectively improve the function of the brain, in aspects including decision making, problem solving, and movement.
  • Do carers have to take part in the activities?
    The sessions provide a great opportunity to do something active together, so we welcome carers to participate - and to do so for FREE!
    When it comes to swimming, carers are not necessarily required to accompany the participant in the water, and there may be the chance to sit poolside or in our spectator area. Contact us to discuss how we can support those wishing to attend this session.
    Please note that Halo staff are unable to assume the role of a carer at this session and are unable to support individuals who may need additional personal assistance or prevent wandering. While carers are not necessarily required to participate, we request that carers or professionals introducing new people remain present in order to reduce any distress that may occur during the session, or travel to & from the venue.
  • FEEL GOOD FOR LIFE Physical Activities at Ogmore Valley Life Centre
    FEEL GOOD FOR LIFE activities take place every Monday at Ogmore Valley Life Centre (please check for arrangements on Bank Holidays). The fun starts at 2.15pm during this time there is an opportunity to socialise with tea/coffee and biscuits until approximately 4pm.
    Each session costs £2.50. Carers go FREE and everyone gets COMPLIMENTARY tea/coffee and biscuits.
    The sessions provide a great opportunity to do something active together, so we welcome carers to participate - and to do so for FREE!
    Please wear trainers or comfortable shoes. Parking at Ogmore Valley Life Centre is free.
  • FEEL GOOD FOR LIFE Physical Activities at North Cornelly Community Centre
    FEEL GOOD FOR LIFE activities take place every Friday at North Cornelly Community Centre (please check for arrangements on Bank Holidays). The fun starts at 1.30pm during this time there is an opportunity to socialise with tea/coffee and biscuits until approximately 3.15pm.
    Dates may differ in Half Term.
    Each session costs £2.50. Carers go FREE and everyone gets COMPLIMENTARY tea/coffee and biscuits.
    The sessions provide a great opportunity to do something active together, so we welcome carers to participate - and to do so for FREE!
    Please wear trainers or comfortable shoes. Parking at North Cornelly Community
  • FEEL GOOD FOR LIFE Swimming at Bridgend Life Centre
    FEEL GOOD FOR LIFE swimming takes places every Wednesday at Bridgend Life Centre (except during school holidays where we offer alternative activities out of the pool).
    Swimming starts at 2pm and lasts for approximately 45 minutes. After changing, there’ll be the chance to socialise until approximately 4pm.
    Each session costs £2.50. Carers go FREE and everyone gets COMPLIMENTARY tea/coffee and biscuits.
    Carers are not necessarily required to accompany the participant in the water, and there may be the chance to sit poolside or in our spectator area. Contact us to discuss how we can support those wishing to attend this session.
    Other than swimming kit and a towel, it would help to bring either a small padlock for the locker and some change for parking (which is also refundable via reception). You are welcome to bring a photo to put on your locker during the session to help make it more recognisable.
    Find out more about our Dementia Friendly Swimming at Bridgend Life Centre. Watch our Dementia Friendly Swimming video here
  • FEEL GOOD FOR LIFE at Hereford Leisure Centre
    We are excited to be launching our Feel Good for Life programme at Hereford Leisure Centre. These sessions will run weekly on Thursdays 11.30am - 1.15pm.
    For more information and details on how to register, can be found in the sections
  • Feel Good For Life Online Bridgend County Borough
    Through these difficult times it is important for us to stay connected, so we have created an online session just for you!
    Grab your trainers and join in the fun from home…
    In Bridgend County Borough, Jess and Dan will host a range of fun activities that will get you in and out of your seat to help improve your strength, balance, and coordination. You will also have a chance to socialise with fellow ‘Feel Good for Life’ group members and participate in quizzes, sing-alongs and more, all from the comfort of your own home!
    Sessions will be hosted every Thursday on ‘Zoom’ at 2:00 - 3:30 pm.
    Once you’ve booked your space, Jess will send you an email with an invite and instructions on how to attend.
    Not very confident with technology? Don't have the internet or a device at home? No problem! Feel Good for Life will loan you an iPad, train you how to use it and be on-hand to help you through it.
    Please call 01656 678851 to book a space on our online session
  • Is there a chance to socialise?
    The sessions give people an opportunity to keep active and to meet and socialise with others in a similar situation.
    So, socialising after the sessions is also important. There will be an opportunity to sit down after participating in the physical activity and have a COMPLIMENTARY cup of tea/coffee and biscuits. It’s great to see people who previously didn't come out of their homes being part of the sessions and be given a sense of place.
  • When are the sessions?
    FEEL GOOD FOR LIFE activities
    • · Ogmore Valley Life Centre: Monday's 2.15pm-4pm (except during school holidays)
    • · North Cornelly: Friday's 1.30pm-3.15pm (except school holidays)
    • · Hereford Leisure Centre: Thursday's 11.30am - 1.15pm
    Within the time of the sessions, there is an opportunity to socialise with tea/coffee and cake.
    FEEL GOOD FOR LIFE swimming takes place every Wednesday at Bridgend Life Centre (except during school holidays where we offer alternative activities out of the pool). Swimming starts at 2pm and lasts for approximately 45 minutes. After changing, there’ll be the chance to socialise until approximately 4pm.
  • How much do the activities cost?
    Each session costs £2.50. Carers go FREE and everyone gets COMPLIMENTARY tea/coffee and biscuits.
  • Is there anything I need to bring?
    Feel Good For Life swimming
    Other than a swimming kit and a towel, it would help to bring either a small padlock or the locker and some change for parking (which is also refundable via reception). You are welcome to bring a photo to put on your locker during the session to help make it more recognisable.
    Feel Good for Life - Hereford Leisure Centre
    It would help to bring either a pound coin or pound token for the lockers (You are welcome to bring a photo to put on your locker during the session to help make it more recognisable). Parking information can be found here
  • Is there help with transport?
    Bridgend County Borough
    A door-to-door accessible community bus service has been arranged for people requiring access to the session at Ogmore Valley Life Centre and Bridgend Life Centre. Please telephone 01656 678845 to arrange collection, or visit www.bridgendcommunitytransport.co.uk. Alternatively, call Jess on 01656 678851 and she will help you to arrange transport.
    If you’d prefer to make your own way to the sessions, parking is free at both venues (at Bridgend Life Centre you pay but get a refund from Reception at the end of the session). The postcode CF32 7AJ will bring you to the closest ramp at Ogmore Valley Life Centre.
    Herefordshire
    Public buses leave the Hereford City Bus Station on Thursdays at 11am and arrive at the Bus Stop next to Hereford Leisure Centre at 11.08am. A return service is available from Bus Stop next to Hereford Leisure Centre at 1.49pm - arriving at the Hereford City Bus Station at 2.03pm
    If transport is an issue and a barrier stopping you from attending our sessions at Hereford Leisure Centre we may be able to help!
    Contact Mark Farrell on landline 01568 600635 or on mobile 07977 946989 or email mark.farrell@haloleisure.org.uk and he will help to arrange transport.
  • How can I find out more information?
    If you would like to find out more about of Feel Good For Life Sessions please contact us by using the contact details below:

    Ryan Statton (Head of Active Communities)
    · T: 07967 300395
    · e: ryan.statton@haloleisure.org.uk
    · e: feelgoodforlife@haloleisure.org.uk

    Jessica Jaques (Active Communities Co-ordinator Bridgend County Borough)
    · T: 01656 678851
    · e: jess.jaques@haloleisure.org.uk

    Mark Farrell (Active Communities Co-ordinator Herefordshire)
    · T: 07977 946989
    · e: mark.farrell@haloleisure.org.uk

  • How have the sessions been formed?
    The sessions have been formed In Bridgend County Borough through a collaboration between Halo Leisure, the Alzheimer's Society, BAVO, ABMU, Cwm Taf Health Board, Awen and support from Bridgend County Borough Council. We are also grateful to have received an award from the National Lottery Community Fund. The Peter Harrison Foundation has kindly helped to fund Dementia Friendly Swimming.
    Our Feel Good For Life session at Hereford Leisure Centre are possible thanks to a collaboration between Halo Leisure and the Herefordshire Dementia Partnership with support from Herefordshire Council.
  • Register for ‘Feel Good for Life’
    It’s helpful for us to know a little bit about you so we can do all we can for you to get the most out of your Feel Good for Life activities.

    Bridgend County Borough

    To register for Feel Good For Life sessions in Bridgend County Borough you need to complete the in-person form here..
    If you are unable to fill in the registration form please contact us and we will be happy to help you register.
    Contact: Jess Jaques on 01656 678851 or email - jess.jaques@haloleisure.org.uk

    Herefordshire

    To register for Feel Good For Life session in Herefordshire you need to complete the form here.
    If you are unable to fill in the registration form please contact us and we will be happy to help you register.
    Contact: Mark farrell on 07977 946989 or email. mark.farrell@haloleisure.org.uk

    Online

    To register for Feel Good For Life sessions online you need to complete the form here..
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image