Health and wellbeing support in the community - Sikhs of Sutton Coldfield enjoy physio and fun!
A group of 60 older adults enjoyed an exercise class thanks to an innovative collaboration between Community Connexions and our musculoskeletal physiotherapy service.
Physiotherapists delivered a free session at All Saints’ Church in Sutton Coldfield as part of the work of Sikhs of Sutton Coldfield to promote healthy lifestyles.
Community Connexions lead Fatima Zakia said: “The feedback from the session were brilliant and multiple requests to do similar sessions in the community started coming in as we wrapped up.
“Now that the NHS plan is fundamentally shifting towards community and neighbourhood care I strongly feel that the model we have been showcasing through Community Connexions would be instrumental in aligning some of our plans from BCHC into actions.
“I really want to thank the MSK team for supporting our mission and to highlight the great work on the day of Sau and Mandeep, who delivered a brilliant presentation and demonstration of some exercises.
“The group was very engaged as the presentation was delivered in both English and Punjabi with some Hindi also, so we felt that the whole group was able to understand and get involved.”
Professional lead for physiotherapy Sam Tolliday said: “It highlights how the support of Community Connexions is so important at reaching into the communities we serve and engaging with the prevention/ management of long-term conditions.
“Recognition of the value that prevention work plays to our communities is vital in supporting our populations look after themselves, sadly something our teams often struggle to deliver due to competing asks on their time, capacity and workforce.”
Sam added that the team has plans for awareness-raising activity for World Physio Day in September, when the theme will be the role of physiotherapists in the management of healthy ageing, with a focus on preventing falls and frailty.
