Tag: Edinburgh Leisure

Bake Off at Leith Victoria 125th birthday celebrations

Customers at Leith Victoria Swim Centre celebrated the Victorian pool’s 125-year anniversary on Friday, 28th June, with a Bake-Off, which raised over £375 much-needed funds for Edinburgh Leisure’s Active Communities programme.

Local businesses including Hobz Bakery, Krema Bakehouse, The Babyfaced Baker and The Pastry Section, staff and customers all embraced their inner Mary Berry to create some showstoppers.

They were judged by Edinburgh Leisure’s previous Chief Executive, June Peebles, who retired in March 2024 after 38 years’ service with Edinburgh Leisure, along with Jen Holland, their new CEO, and one of Leith Victoria’s regular customers Christine Findlay, 71 years, who attends 19 classes a week at the Leith Viccies.

The baking competition was won by Kerry Teakle, Edinburgh Leisure’s PR Officer with her tried and tested Almond, Orange and Whisky cake.

The Bake-Off judging took place following a busy Aqua and yoga class that took place earlier in the building, when participants often congregate for a coffee and a blether after.

Brought up in the Colonies in Lochend Road, Christine Findlay, 71 Years, and one of the Bake-Off judges, has been using the centre since her childhood and continues to use Leith Victoria today.

Christine said: “I’ve been using the centre for years.  Many people came for the hot baths, but we were lucky as we had a bath in our house, so didn’t need to use those facilities.

Christine, who still works as a carer attends 19 classes, six days a week at Leith Victoria. She used to swim seven days a week but now only swims on Fridays.

Christine explains why people keep coming back: “Viccies is a community. This is my second home, and everyone here is like your second family. I’ve made great friends and even go on holiday with people I’ve met here.

“I’ve been coming since my childhood and this continued when I had my family and I still come with my grandchildren today. Without this place, I don’t know what I’d do. We support each other through the good times and the bad.”

Louise Bathgate, Manager at Leith Victoria explained: “At 125 years old, Leith Victoria is rich in history, as well as holding a special place in so many people’s hearts locally with generations of families having learnt to swim here.

“The Bake-Off was a good excuse to have a celebration in honour of Viccies’ 125th  birthday and to raise much-needed funds for Edinburgh Leisure’s Active Communities programmes, which rely on external funding to make it happen. 

“The funds raised by this event, along with two other events that have been held at Craiglockhart Tennis Centre and Meadowbank Sports Centre in the last couple of months, have raised over £750 to support disadvantaged people in our communities to improve their health and wellbeing.”

Edinburgh Leisure’s Active Communities supports 12,500 people annually who face the greatest barriers to get active – people affected by health conditions, inequalities, and poverty. 

As a venue, Leith Victoria Swim Centre holds 23 Active Community classes each week and is one of Edinburgh Leisure’s busiest venues supporting hundreds of people in the local community.

www.edinburghleisure.co.uk

Get Fit This Festival Season with Edinburgh Leisure’s Summer Pass

As Edinburgh gears up for its famous festivals, festival goers and workers can stay energized and enjoy the healthiest summer yet with Edinburgh Leisure’s new ‘Summer Pass’.

Available from TODAY – Monday, 1 July 2024 – the ‘Summer Pass’ provides unlimited access to 17 state-of-the-art gyms, 12 swimming pools (including five historic Victorian pools), over 750 fitness classes per week, and a world-class climbing centre.  

The pass also includes access to saunas, steam rooms, and Turkish Baths—all for just £69. The pass is valid for six weeks from the date of purchase, with the last available purchase date being August 31, 2024.

Young adults aged 18-24 can enjoy a reduced-price pass for £49, making it an affordable option for students returning home or young festival workers staying in the city. Additionally, a School Fitness Pass is available for six weeks at Queensferry, Wester Hailes, Balerno, and Trinity venues, costing £49 for adults and £29 for those under 25.

These venues are also included in the general Summer Pass, offering an alternative option for customers.

Everyone who purchases a Summer Pass will automatically be entered into a free prize draw to win a one-year free Full Fitness membership.

Matthew Smith, Sales Manager at Edinburgh Leisure, said: “Edinburgh in summer is always buzzing with energy, thanks to the various festivals. We invite festival goers, workers, and visitors to keep their energy levels high by staying fit and active.

“Our range of classes and facilities ensures there’s something for everyone, from fun Zumba sessions to high-intensity X-press gym classes. And if you need to relax, our pools and Turkish Baths are perfect for unwinding.”

The pass is available to buy online or in venue. 

https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/join

Leith Victoria Swim Centre is calling out for keen bakers to help them celebrate turning 125 years

One of Edinburgh Leisure’s five Victorian pools, Leith Victoria Swim Centre, will be celebrating 125-years of ‘serving’ the city of Edinburgh and is calling on any keen bakers to join in the festivities.

The venue will be holding a Bake-Off event to celebrate the occasion on Friday, 28th June and is asking local businesses, staff and customers to embrace their inner Mary Berry to create some delicious cakes and tray bakes to raise funds for their Active Communities programmes.

Edinburgh Leisure’s Active Communities supports 12,500 people annually who face the greatest barriers to get active – people affected by health conditions, inequalities, and poverty.  As a venue, they hold 23 Active Community classes each week, and Leith Victoria is one of Edinburgh Leisure’s busiest venues supporting hundreds of people in the local community.

The Bake-Off judging will take place at 11.20 – 11.30am following a busy Aqua and yoga class that takes place earlier in the building, when participants often congregate for a coffee and a blether after. Prizes will be awarded to the best bakes.

June Peebles, Edinburgh Leisure’s previous Chief Executive, who retired in March 2024 after 38 years’ service with Edinburgh Leisure, will be Chief Judge, along with Jen Holland, their new CEO and one of Leith Victoria’s regular customers Christine, 71 years, who attends 19 classes a week at the Leith Viccies, as it is affectionately known locally.

The original Victoria Leith Baths were opened in 1899 by Provost John Bennet. The original plaque is still on display at Leith Victoria Swim Centre.   A plaque is also still on display on the exterior of the building which says, ‘Leith School Board, Swimming Baths, 1896’ and there is still the old red and white ‘Baths’ sign on the exterior of the building. 

Leith Swimming Baths (now restored) linked to the ‘Public Baths’ (i.e. rows of enamel baths) and Laundry (both now demolished to create the Victoria Swim Centre).  The baths were in use until the late 1970s, due to the high number of Leith dwellings lacking bathrooms up to that time.  In the good old days, men got changed on one side of the pool, and ladies on the other.   Obviously that no longer happens but the baths do have individual changing cubicles around the outside of the pool.

Louise Bathgate, Manager at Leith Victoria explained: “At 125 years old, Leith Viccies is rich in history, and we also know it holds a special place in so many people’s hearts locally, with customers of a certain vintage telling us how they learnt to swim here many years ago and have carried the tradition on with their children and grandchildren learning to swim here too.  

“So, if there are any keen bakers locally for whom Leith Viccies holds a special place in their memory bank and would like to get involved, please get in touch. It’s all a bit of fun but will hopefully raise much needed funds for Edinburgh Leisure’s Active Communities programme, which supports so many different groups of people.”

If there are any keen bakers who would like to contribute a traybake, biscuits, cookies or cake for the event, the team at Leith Victoria would love to have your support.  Please get in touch with:

susanmcintosh@edinburghleisure.co.uk or juliaadams@edinburghleisure.co.uk .

Volunteer Week: Edinburgh Leisure celebrates its unsung heroes

As the nation celebrates National Volunteer Week (Monday, 3rd – Sunday, 9th June), Edinburgh Leisure will be holding a thank you on Thursday, 6th June at Meadowbank Sports Centre for their unsung heroes and their unwavering commitment and all they do to help create a more active and healthier city.

National Volunteer Week recognises and celebrates the contributions volunteers make across the UK and inspires more people to make a difference.

Stephen Hughes, Volunteer Manager at Edinburgh Leisure explains: “Our volunteers play a vital role in making a difference to people’s lives, providing the help and support people need to be active.

“In the last few years, our volunteers have grown from 120 in 2022-2023 to 140 in 2023-2024. We’ve also expanded the volunteering roles from five to nine and include buddy swimming, walk leaders and Instructor Assistants.”

Teresa, 66, one of Edinburgh Leisure’s volunteers explains why she got involved and her journey from participant to volunteer. She grew up in Edinburgh’s Craigmillar area and has always enjoyed staying active.

She used the old Meadowbank Sports Centre (“going back a few years”) for aerobics classes, badminton, and training for the West Highland Way with her sister-in-law.

Teresa was previously a participant in Edinburgh Leisure’s Steady Steps programme, which is a physical activity referral programme for anyone who has had a fall or is at risk of having a fall. After falling and breaking her wrist, she completed half her sessions in person and the rest online when COVID-19 hit.

Here she tells us about her journey from participant to volunteer:

“I worked with Scottish Gas for 36 years and as part of my job I supported community initiatives. We had days where we could volunteer, and I used them to support the Royal Blind School. That was when I first became interested in volunteering.

When I finished my Steady Steps classes, my instructor Mari asked me if I would like to become a volunteer. I investigated it and was surprised to find out that Edinburgh Leisure has so many different volunteer roles. I decided to volunteer with Steady Steps and another Active Communities class, Get Active, which encourages inactive people to become and stay active.

“Not only does volunteering help me keep physically fit but it’s also good for my mental wellbeing.  I love the community and camaraderie in classes, getting to know people and learning new things.

“I like that the participants find me approachable and when they call me by my name it shows they remember me, and I feel valued.

“The education sessions and the volunteer training days about dementia and visual impairment I’ve taken part in have broadened my knowledge. I get as much out of volunteering as the participants do.

“I would encourage others who are considering volunteering to give it a go as it’s so rewarding. Recently, after my class had finished, a few of us were having a laugh while getting packed up.

“It was only when we got to the front door of Meadowbank that one of the participants realised she had left her Zimmer frame in the studio. For me this is a good example of how physical activity can improve health, even in older people, and give them confidence to get out and do more”.

No matter which role you undertake as a volunteer at Edinburgh Leisure, training and support is provided. To find out more and get involved, visit: 

https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/work-with-us/become-a-volunteer or contact stephenhughes@edinburghleisure.co.uk

Bouldering upgrade to start at EICA:Ratho after sportscotland investment

Works on the upgrade of the bouldering facilities at Edinburgh Leisure’s flagship climbing arena at Ratho will begin on Monday,  3rd June following a major funding investment from sportscotland’s Sport Facilities Fund. There will be a steady schedule of works across the summer and autumn as the changes occur.

The Edinburgh International Climbing Arena received £100,000 towards bouldering redevelopment to improve opportunities to progress at all levels of the sport. 

As the UK’s largest climbing gym and the only international competition venue, it has hosted European Championships and World Cup for Lead and Speed in recent years, but the bouldering facilities needed an upgrade to enable it to host all three IFSC (International Federation of Sport Climbing) and Olympic disciplines.

The new state of the art competition bouldering wall, designed by the Rockcity team, means that Ratho becomes the only climbing centre in the UK with Olympic standard facilities for all three climbing disciplines (lead climbing, speed climbing and bouldering). Meanwhile, the ‘real rock’ freeform iconic boulders are being repurposed to a new site in the west of Scotland.

As Mark English, Managing Director of Rockcity explained: “The arena will host additional modern flat panelled bouldering walls and another freestanding boulder to give the Edinburgh community the best facilities in the city and surrounding area, using an unrivalled climbing hold selection and world class route setting. 

“When the work’s complete you can expect to see Edinburgh Leisure’s flagship climbing experience jump into the future and host some amazing competition and circuit-based bouldering later this year.”

The investment has been made possible thanks to National Lottery players, who raise £30 million each week for good causes across the UK.

Welcoming the investment, Emma Ogilvie-Hall, Head of Operations at Edinburgh Leisure said: “We’re delighted and very grateful to receive the sportscotland funding that means our outdated bouldering facilities at the Edinburgh International Climbing Arena (EICA) can be replaced.

“With indoor bouldering now the most widely practised form of climbing it will ensure that the EICA can continue as a world class venue for all three climbing disciplines – lead, speed, and bouldering – while continuing to provide climbers of all ages and abilities with access to opportunities to participate in and progress through the sport. 

“It will also mean that Scotland is able to host bouldering competitions and national training camps and allow the EICA to keep our national and international profile as a world-class climbing facility.”

Stuart Younie, CEO of Mountaineering Scotland said: “This is incredibly exciting news for Ratho and its regular customers but also the wider climbing community in Scotland.

“Not only will it enable EICA to host major events featuring all three Olympic disciplines but as our national centre for climbing in Scotland it will provide a first-class training venue delivering the performance environment needed to help support the development of our young climbers in Scotland.

“With Paris 2024 around the corner and new climbing centres appearing all over the UK to meet the increasing demand for the sport, this investment from sportscotland could not have come at a better time. We are looking forward to working with Edinburgh Leisure and the team at Ratho to maximise the opportunities the new bouldering wall will provide.”

The EICA:Ratho was among 18 projects across Scotland to share a total of £1,506,263 from sportscotland to develop existing facilities or create a new home for sport and physical activity.

Chief Executive of sportscotland, Forbes Dunlop, said: “The aim of the Sports Facilities Fund is to support sustainable and inclusive projects with their ambitions of using sport and physical activity to enhance the lives of their local communities. This investment would not be possible without National Lottery players who continue to raise vital funding for sport across Scotland.

“The physical and mental health benefits of sport are well documented, but equally important is the ability to create a space where everyone is welcome to participate at their own level.

“Projects like this one at the EICA not only create opportunities for people to take part in sport and physical activity but can also provide a place for communities to come together.

The Sports Facilities Fund prioritises projects that widen access to participation or allow people to progress further within their chosen sport locally by removing barriers, particularly in rural areas or areas of deprivation, and for under-represented groups.

In addition to the investment, projects can benefit from the expertise within sportscotland’s facilities team to maximise the impact that their plans will have, ensuring they meet the needs of their local communities now and in the future.

A fly-through artists impression of what the new boulders will look like can be viewed by clicking here.

In The Swing Of It

Edinburgh Leisure is launching a new short-term golf pass allowing visitors to the city and residents to experience their six world-class courses without the need to take out an annual membership.

As the city’s largest sports and leisure provider, Edinburgh Leisure has six courses to choose from each offering unique challenges and stunning city views and a truly Scottish golfing experience to locals and visitors alike.

With views of Arthur’s Seat, the Firth of Forth or the iconic Braid Hills, they are accessible by public transport and even have First Tees just minutes from the city centre or within walking distance of a tram stop.

A 3-day weekend pass costs £45 or a 7-day weekday golf pass costs £75 allowing access to all of Edinburgh Leisure’s six golf courses at Braid Hills, Carrick Knowe, Craigentinny, Portobello, Wee Braids and Silverknowes golf courses.

The new Golf Pass is available to buy at any Edinburgh Leisure golf club and online. Choose your preferred club to receive details –

https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/activities/golf

Edinburgh Leisure is Seriously Social – Putting People Above Profit

Edinburgh Leisure is serious about doing social good and adding social value to people’s lives and will be marking the first ever Seriously Social Week in May as part of a national campaign that showcases the work of charities, like theirs, putting people above profit, connecting communities, and helping people to become healthier, happier, and more creative, regardless of age or ability.

Seriously Social has been organised by national body Community Leisure UK. Starting Monday 27 May, each day of the week will focus on a theme to show how companies like Edinburgh Leisure help create social impact and create happier, healthier communities and will showcase the outcomes around health & wellbeing, the community, inclusion, employment and skills and the environment.

Jen Holland, CEO of Edinburgh Leisure said: “We are proud to be part of a network of charities operating with a social conscience, delivering social good when providing public leisure services. Our core business isn’t about making profit, it is about purpose – helping people first.

“We’re about supporting society to get healthier and happier, employing local people, creating safe spaces for everybody, connecting communities, working towards net zero and supporting people with quality health and wellbeing services for everybody regardless of age or ability.

“Seriously Social is a brilliant way to showcase not only the difference we make but also why we do what we do.”

As the largest provider of sports and leisure facilities in the city, Edinburgh Leisure provide activities for everyone as they move through their lives.

As a charitable trust, every penny goes back into taking care of the health and wellbeing of Edinburgh. Being active improves physical and mental health. Edinburgh Leisure is here to support as many people as possible to feel as good as possible.

A recent study commissioned by Public Health Scotland concluded that of the 62,941 deaths that occurred in Scotland in 2022, more than 3,000 would have been attributed to physical inactivity, with cancer and cardiovascular disease (CVD) accounting for around one third of these.

Last year Edinburgh Leisure’s Active Communities team supported over 12,500 people a year to be active to improve their health and wellbeing. 

They develop and run projects to help make a positive difference to communities in six key project areas. 

  • People living with health conditions are supported by Active for Health
  • People on low incomes and experiencing inequalities are supported by Wellbeing for All
  • Older adults are supported to stay active and connected through Staying Active
  • Children and young people are supported to live healthier, happier lifestyles through Active Futures
  • People with disabilities or additional support needs are supported through Everybody Active
  • People living with mental health conditions are supported through Mental Wellbeing

Kirsty Cumming, CEO of Community Leisure UK, said: “Our members don’t just deliver public leisure and cultural services, they support social change for the better every day of the week, 365 days a year.

“As social enterprises and charities, they put people above profit. They are run by local people and have everyone’s best interests at heart. The Seriously Social Week is about showcasing how they go above and beyond supporting individuals and communities.

“This is a selfless sector, quietly going about supporting people and communities every day. Not because it makes them money, but because it’s the right thing to do. And we thought it was high time more people know about the great work they do and the difference they make.”

More than 110 Charitable Trusts and Social Enterprises deliver public leisure and culture in Scotland, Wales and Ireland as part of the Community Leisure UK network. Together in 2023 they:

  • Welcomed more than 209 million visits
  • Worked with 170+ Local Authorities
  • Collaborated with more than 100,000 Community Groups
  • 73% Reduced Carbon Emissions
  • 75% provided holiday food and activity programmes.
  • Saved the state and NHS £893million through their work getting people more active and healthier *

For more information visit seriouslysocial.org.uk

Coaching Academy set to give young people skills for life

During UK National Coaching Week (29 April – 5 May), Edinburgh Leisure, the leading sport and leisure provider in Edinburgh is on the hunt for young people to gain valuable coaching qualifications and gain new skills for the job market.

The Coaching Academy 2024 is targeted at young people aged 16-24 years and fully funded through Edinburgh Leisure’s Sports Development and Active Communities.   It will provide nationally recognised qualifications that enable successful learners to lead safe, purposeful, and enjoyable sport/physical activity within our programmes.

Gary Hocknull, Sports Development Officer at Edinburgh Leisure explained:  “The Coaching Academy will assist young people to learn new skills for the job market, using the capacity of sport coaching to help transform their lives, increase motivation, encourage learning and support their personal development.”

The course is limited to 16 candidates with learning focussed on studying for a sport leadership qualification and sports specific coaching course qualifications.

Candidates will gain the SCQF Sports Leaders Level 5 qualification starting Monday 1 – Friday, 5 July at Meadowbank Sports Centre delivered by Edinburgh Leisure staff.

The Sports Leaders sessions uses sport to deliver fun and engaging physical activities with other attendees. Candidates will plan, lead, and evaluate sports/physical activity sessions over several tutored hours and then demonstrate their leadership skills as part of an assessment.

In Week 2, Monday 8th – Thursday 11th July, candidates will include National Governing Body Coach Education qualifications in Badminton, Netball, Athletics and Football. All dates must be attended.

After the end of the course, participants will be signposted to volunteering opportunities within sports venues and holiday programme provision, where they will be immersed in all aspects of the sport and leisure coaching environment and potentially future employment opportunities within Edinburgh Leisure, with all course candidates offered the opportunity of interview.

Registration is now open and interested candidates should apply by using the online registration form by 31st May 2024 at 5 pm.   Shortlisted candidates will be invited to the recruitment session on Friday, 14th June, with successful candidates confirmed bon Monday, 17th June 2024.

National Coaching Week (29 April – 5 May) celebrates the vital role coaches play in helping to inspire, support and develop athletes and runners of all abilities, age groups and backgrounds to fulfil their potential.

To apply:  https://rb.gy/kdejt7

Edinburgh Leisure supporting talented athletes

Demand for access to Edinburgh Leisure top-class sporting facilities from talented athletes is growing year on year, as participants look to get to their peak fitness in the hope of representing their county or country at major sporting events, including the Olympic Games.

The Edinburgh Talented Athlete Support Scheme (E TASS) is a City of Edinburgh Council and Edinburgh Leisure funded programme that represents a strong and unique partnership between talented athletes, National Governing Bodies of Sport (NGB’s) and the Scottish Institute of Sport Network (SISN).

E TASS aims to provide free access to Edinburgh Leisure’s gym, swimming pool and track venues, to support talented athletes to achieve more, develop to their full potential and accomplish world class performance levels.

Gary Hocknull, Sports Development Manager at Ediburgh Leisure explains: “Being able to deliver the E TASS programme supports Edinburgh Leisure’s values of providing opportunities and support to athletes to participate, progress and achieve in sport and makes a clear statement that we invest in athletes and sport at all levels.

“All athletes accepted onto E TASS enjoy free access to Edinburgh Leisure gyms, swimming pools, and athletics tracks for recovery, rehabilitation, strength and conditioning, and endurance training.

“Access is made available for athletes’ own individual training requirements and does not apply to club or National Governing Body squad training. Competition is tough with demand growing year on year. For 2024/2025, we received applications from 158 new, and 108 from existing athletes.”

With only 150 spaces available on ETASS, Edinburgh Leisure works closely with NGB’s and sportscotland to ensure our support reaches the right athletes.

Consideration is given to applicants in postcode areas identified through the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SMID). The performance levels of these athletes range from those beginning their elite sporting journey to those that have achieved success at international events.

Scottish number one at target shooting, Seonaid McIntosh, is supported by the E-TASS scheme and is hoping to medal in Paris. Seonaid said:  “Having the support of the ETASS scheme has been fundamental to my success in shooting as it complements my rifle training and improves my fitness with the ability to use Edinburgh Leisure’s fantastic sporting facilities across the city.” 

Seonaid McIntosh became the World Champion at the 2018 ISSF World Shooting Championships in the 50m Prone Rifle event.  In 2019 she became Britain’s most successful female rifle shooter of all time, winning five World Cup medals (including the first World Cup Gold to be won by a British Woman).

She also became the first British Woman to rank World #1 for the 50m Rifle Three Position event and became European Champion in the 300m Rifle Prone event with an equal World Record score.

Rory Brogan, a talented athlete and rugby player explained why E TASS has been crucial for his training: “The membership went really well in the way that it gave me a place to go for Strength and Conditioning. As a young person at school, I don’t have a lot of money to spend on gym memberships, so having this Athlete scheme massively helped boost that.

“Furthermore, the Edinburgh Leisure gym I went to at Meadowbank is great for athletes, as it has space for plyos, plenty of squat racks, etc. I made the Scotland U20 relay team, and we set the record when we competed down in Cardiff in August 2023. Furthermore, I got into the wider Scotland U18 rugby team.”

To qualify for E TASS athletes must be resident in Edinburgh and a member of an Edinburgh constituted sports club. The athlete must also represent their sport at any of the following standards:

  • Scottish Institute of Sport (SISN)
  • Scottish/British/European/World Championship Title Holder
  • Scottish or Great Britain Squad Member
  • Regional Development Squad

Edinburgh Leisure receives new funding for dementia programme

SUPPORT FOR MOVEMENT FOR MEMORIES PROGRAMME

Edinburgh Leisure, the city’s leading sports and leisure provider, has received a significant grant from the Encouraging and Supporting Grassroots Activity Fund to support their dementia programme.

Funded by Age Scotland’s About Dementia project in partnership with the Scottish Government, Edinburgh Leisure has received £19,800 to support their Movement for Memories programme.

Sam Scott, Development Officer at Edinburgh Leisure, welcomed the support saying: “We’re delighted and thankful to receive the grant.

“The funding will enable us to continue offering people with dementia in Edinburgh a range of opportunities to keep active, from 1:1 support from buddy volunteers to enjoy activities of their choice, to dementia friendly activities within our sports and leisure facilities, to our physical activity outreach service with community groups across the city.

“Edinburgh Leisure is always looking for volunteers to support people living with dementia. Our volunteers make a real difference by accompanying and supporting individuals with dementia to take part in a physical activity of their choice, like gym, golf, fitness classes, tennis, or swimming.

“Whatever the participant enjoys, your support will play a vital role in helping them enjoy their activity and improve their wellbeing. So, if you have an interest in health and physical activity, we’d love to hear from you.”

The funding will support people like 79-year-old David, who plays badminton with his buddy volunteer at Craiglockhart Leisure and Tennis Centre.

His sister and carer Julie said: “David used to play football professionally, so physical activity has always been a big part of his life. He wanted to keep active, but his dementia meant that he could no longer do it without extra support. 

“The change in him since he started playing badminton has been enormous. His short-term memory is poor, but he remembers how to play, and he hasn’t lost his competitive spirit. He comes out of the session like a new man – his spirits are lifted, he’s chattier, and often his memory seems to improve for a while. He’s almost like ‘enhanced David’ when I pick him up.”

Movement for Memories offers people at all stages of their dementia journey with a range of options to be active, from personalised one-to-one support to enjoy activities they previously enjoyed independently but need a helping hand with now, to a physical activity outreach service for local support groups to enable people to get active in familiar community settings like church halls or community centres. 

All participants referred to Movement for Memories receive an Edinburgh Leisure card providing 12-weeks free access to gym, swim, golf, tennis, and fitness classes followed by 9 months of subsidised access.

Not only does getting active help participants to maintain or improve their physical health, but it also helps them to improve their mental wellbeing, build social connections, remain integrated in their community and maintain independence for longer.

Dementia affects an estimated 8,000 people in Edinburgh and 90,000 people in Scotland, an estimated 3,000 of whom are under 65.

Dementia is not an inevitable part of ageing. It is an umbrella term that can be caused by a number of diseases which, over time, damage the brain, typically leading to deterioration in both brain and bodily health.

The most common types of dementia are Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, mixed dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies, and frontotemporal dementia.

To find out more about Movement for Memories, visit: http://rb.gy/xeua2l

To find out more about being a Movement for Memories Buddy Volunteer, visit: http://rb.gy/nzsnp7