Active Suffolk Annual Report 2021:22 - Flipbook - Page 7
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The legacy lives on…
Frekenham
The Fit Villages project first supported Freckenham Village Hall in 2013
where table tennis equipment was funded for the local community. There
is now a wealth of activity offered from the village hall including Pilates,
FitSteps, circuits and seated exercise, all of which were supported by the Fit
Villages team at Active Suffolk. All in all, Freckenham Village Hall now sees
approximately 110 people coming through the door each week for physical
activity with that number continuing to grow since the return of classes post
pandemic.
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It has been lovely to hear the comments from participants about how
much they are enjoying the classes and they always mention how much
they are benefitting from having physical activity on their doorstep!
Fit Villages have helped us to source some fantastic instructors and even
stepped in to support us with a replacement when one of the original instructors
needed to take time out for cancer treatment, which meant our community
could continue to be active.
The community all really missed coming to the village hall for classes during
the pandemic, but we are now seeing the numbers creep back up again. The
pandemic highlighted just how beneficial the physical activity sessions were
for our community, as it not only helps residents to manage their mental
and physical health but also gave them routine and allows the community to
connect.
Jane Leitch, Fit Villages Activator, Freckenham
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I have taken advantage of
most of the classes at the
Freckenham Village Hall since
they were initially supported by
the Fit Villages project.
Having undergone surgery and
radiotherapy in 2021, I would say
the classes undoubtedly assisted
with my journey to recovery.
After my operation all I wanted
to do was get back to my regular
classes and once I did it was a
massive boost for me. There
is gradual improvement to my
physical recovery each week,
but I have also been taken aback
at the support I received from
my fellow classmates – truly
humbling.
John Leitch, Fit Villages
participant, Freckenham