Published: 1 day ago
At Vibe Life CIC, we believe that movement is more than just exercise - it’s about confidence, connection, and feeling good in your body. Over the past few months, we’ve seen exactly that come to life through our funded chair-based exercise project for older adults in Pleck, Walsall.
What started as a single weekly class quickly grew into something much bigger than we ever expected.
From 2 Participants to a Thriving Community
Our very first session launched on a snowy day, with just two participants able to attend. But even in that moment, we knew the need was there.
Fast forward just a few weeks, and word-of-mouth had spread across the community. Attendance grew rapidly, and before long, we had reached full capacity and beyond! To make sure no one missed out, we added a second weekly session, allowing us to support around 40 older adults every week.
More Than Just Exercise
While the classes focused on gentle, chair-based movement to improve strength, mobility and balance, the impact went far beyond the physical.
Participants told us they felt:
Stronger and more mobile
More confident in their movement
Less fearful of falling
More active in their daily lives
One participant shared that her back pain had significantly reduced after just a few weeks, while others spoke about how much easier everyday movements had become.
But, we think the friendships stood out the most!
Many participants began attending not just for the exercise, but to see each other. The sessions became a weekly highlight... a place to laugh, chat, and feel part of something.
Building Connections Across the Community
Delivered at the Community Engagement Centre in Pleck, the project brought together people from a range of backgrounds. With the venue located near supported housing and a Hindu temple, we saw a diverse mix of participants come together, creating a welcoming and inclusive space for all.
Our Cuppa & Chat workshops added another layer to the project, giving participants the chance to socialise over healthy refreshments while learning about topics such as falls prevention, nutrition, and mental wellbeing.
A Ripple Effect Beyond the Sessions
The impact didn’t stop with those in the room.
Family members told us how much of a difference the sessions had made to their loved ones - improving their physical health, boosting their mood, helping their independence, and improving their overall outlook. For many, it provided something to look forward to each week and helped reduce feelings of isolation.
What’s Next?
We’re so proud to share that this isn’t the end.
Thanks to the success of the project, we’ve secured further funding from the Green Square Accord Community Impact Fund to continue the sessions and expand into a second location in Pelsall. This means we can keep supporting our current participants while reaching even more people in the community.
Thank You
A huge shoutout to our amazing team! Sue Grassick, our lead instructor, recently qualified as a Level 3 Older Adults Instructor through Vibe Concepts. She has been fantastic - patient, knowledgeable, and truly caring. The participants absolutely love her.
We also want to recognise Shelley McGurk, our brilliant assistant and volunteer. Starting as a Vibe Fit Mums participant, she’s now a qualified Level 2 Exercise to Music and Older Adults Instructor. Her journey has been incredible, and she brings such warmth and encouragement to every session. This project wouldn’t have been possible without them!
This project was proudly funded by the Birmingham and Black Country Communities Fund, whose support made it possible to reach and support so many older adults in our community.
To everyone who attended, supported, volunteered, and helped spread the word... thank you. You’ve helped create something truly special.
At Vibe Life, this is exactly what we’re about: creating spaces where people feel welcome, supported, and empowered to move in a way that works for them.