Dementia Friendly Tai Chi sessions help to reduce stress, improve posture, balance and mobility

Last month the Friends of Salisbury Medical Practice received a grant from the Salisbury Health and Wellbeing Group to hold free Tai Chi sessions at Bemerton Heath Centre.

Tai Chi combines deep breathing and relaxation with flowing movements and is practised widely as a health promotion exercise. Studies have shown that people aged 65 and over benefit from participating in Tai Chi because it can reduce stress, improve posture, balance and general mobility as well as increasing muscle strength in the legs.

Classes are suitable for people living with dementia and their carers. The environment is safe and supportive and participants can practise many of the movements seated if they become too tired. The sessions are led by Stuart Purdie a trained Tai Chi Instructor with experience of working with people living with dementia.

Sessions are held during term time on Wednesdays mornings from 10.30-11.30am. 

For further information contact Katy Gillingham Social Prescribed, email: katy.gillingham@nhs.net  or phone (01722) 333034 and ask to talk to Katy Gillingham.