STRENGTH and mobility classes in Bromsgrove and Redditch are still going strong one year on, and more residents are being urged to get involved.

The Sports Partnership Hereford and Worcestershire (SPHW), in partnership with Bromsgrove District and Redditch Borough Councils, run the classes for people who have had a fall or feel unsteady on their feet.

The classes are designed to improve people's strength and balance while increasing confidence to become more active.

Strength and balance class instructor Holly Cook said: "The strength and balance classes are designed to help improve participants’ muscles and bone strength as well as their balance and stability.

“The classes can have a big impact on the participants’ confidence, which in turn can help in reducing the number of falls they have but also to enable them to live more independently. We’ve also seen that the classes can have a great social element to them as well - allowing them to meet new people and make friends.

“During my time running these classes I have seen some great results with a high number of participants.”

Ten hour-long classes are held in community venues across Redditch and Bromsgrove.

Jean Bolter, who attends a strength and balance class in Bromsgrove, said: "I joined the exercise group after discussing the matter with my GP. I had a fall which upset my balance and I was having difficulty walking due to arthritis in both my ankles.

“After just over 12 months, I could not believe how much better I was all round – so much so that, after my initial course of 33 weeks finished, I joined an identical group running in Bromsgrove so that I was attending twice a week.

“Since joining both the classes in Bromsgrove, I have met some lovely new people and made a few friends as a consequence of this.”

To self-refer, contact the council on 01527 881404 or speak to a GP.