VOCAL (Voice of Carers Across Lothian), in partnership with Edinburgh Leisure, are offering free exercise classes to unpaid carers.
The six-week courses include Zumba, Aquafit and Body Balance and start in September at various Edinburgh Leisure sporting facilities.
The classes are one of a number of social and leisure opportunities organised by VOCAL for carers in Edinburgh.
Other initiatives include weight management courses, gym buddy sessions and city wide reading groups.
Begins a spokesperson: “A recent survey from Carers Scotland (‘Sick, tired and caring’) found that 54 per cent of carers felt isolated and could not meet friends and family or take part in leisure or social activities. More than half (57 per cent) reported significant health problems, including long-term conditions, disabilities, stress, anxiety, back and shoulder pain.”
Jane Greenacre, VOCAL Carer Support and Training manager, says: “These exercise focused opportunities aim to help carers to improve or maintain their health and well-being, as well as providing the chance to meet socially with other carers.”
For more information or to book a place contact VOCAL on 0131 622 6666 or email centre@vocal.org.uk.
Notes to Editors
1. Carers and VOCAL
VOCAL – Voice of Carers Across Lothian – is an organisation run by carers for carers.
A carer is someone who provides unpaid care to a relative, partner or friend who is elderly or requires help to manage a long term illness, disability, physical or mental health problems or addiction.
VOCAL manages the Edinburgh Princess Royal Trust Carers Centre and supports carers by providing information, advice, support, training, social and leisure opportunities, advocacy, counselling and groupwork. Further information on VOCAL is available online: www.edinburghcarers.co.uk
2. Sick, tired and caring: the impact of unpaid caring on health and long-term conditions
Details of this Carers Scotland report can be found at: http://www.carersuk.org/policy-a-parliament-scot/research-scotland/item/2067-sick-tired-and-caring
4. Media contact
Rosie McLoughlin, Carer Information and Communications manager, VOCAL.
T: 0131 622 6666, e: rmcloughlin@vocal.org.uk
MEDIA RELEASE posted by VOCAL. You too can post media releases (aka press releases) on allmediascotland.com. For more information, email here.
Contact: Rosie McLoughlin
Phone: 0131 622 6666
Email: rmcloughlin@vocal.org.uk
Website: http://www.vocal.org.uk
