Community Exercise Classes for Enhanced Strength and Balance in Mid Essex
Overview
The Healthy Balance Service provides community exercise classes across Mid Essex, designed for individuals seeking to enhance their strength and balance, boost confidence in mobility, and reduce the risk of falls.
Eligibility Criteria
This service is suitable for adults registered with a GP in the NHS Mid Essex area who:
• Experience a fear of falling or have mobility confidence issues.
• Feel unsteady or have balance challenges.
• Have a history of falls or are at risk of falling.
• Can move independently, with or without a walking aid.
• Can understand and participate in a group exercise programme.
• Can travel to classes independently or via community transport.
Exclusions:
• Uncontrolled angina, blood pressure, or tachycardia.
• Unstable or acute heart failure.
• Uncontrolled pain or systemic illness.
• Visual or vestibular issues not under control.
• Recent serious falls without medical attention.
• Impaired cognition that limits group participation.
• Need for physical assistance in mobility or exercise.
Service Details
We offer strength and balance exercise classes targeting those who have experienced falls or wish to improve their mobility confidence. Classes are held at various community venues in Mid Essex, lasting one hour and free for the initial 12 weeks.
Led by qualified postural stability instructors, the exercises are customised to each individual’s needs and capabilities. Following the free period, ongoing community classes are available for a nominal fee.
An exercise professional will visit your home upon referral to ensure class suitability and conduct basic strength and balance assessments, which are repeated post-programme to track progress. If classes are unsuitable, we provide a customised home-based exercise programme.
Service Delivery Locations
Classes are available on weekdays at multiple locations, including:
• Burnham-on-Crouch
• Maldon
• Halstead
• Braintree
• Chelmsford
Referral Process
You can self-refer by phone or email using the provided contact details, or be referred by a health or social care professional, such as a GP, physiotherapist, or social worker.
FAQs
• Transport: Community transport schemes are available for a small fee for those unable to travel independently. Details are on the Essex County Council website.
• Class Charges: The first 12 weeks are free. Ongoing classes incur a small fee of £4-£5, varying by venue.
• Attire: Wear loose, comfortable clothing and supportive shoes.
• Exercise Level: Instructors cater to various abilities and will progressively challenge participants at a manageable pace.
• Group Confidence: Instructors ensure a welcoming environment, helping new members integrate and enjoy the benefits of improved strength, balance, and confidence.
Contact Us
If you are registered with SystmOnline you will be able to view your own Electronic Medical Record (EMR), manage your appointments, request repeat medication, update contact details and message your healthcare service. There is also a SystmOnline app available for Apple and Android devices.