Volunteers wanted to support new ‘Sporting Memories’ group in Whittlesey, while new exercise class for those with diabetes will be held in Wisbech

Volunteers are being sought for a new ‘Sporting Memories’ group in Whittlesey.

Those helping would lead the group for older people - the latest addition to a programme of free and low-cost exercise and wellbeing classes for all ages in Fenland.

They will need to support or run the session, which is expected to be held from 1pm to 3pm on Wednesdays. Training and support are provided and volunteers do not need to be available every week.

In a separate addition, a specialist exercise group for people with diabetes is being offered in Wisbech, from 12.30pm to 1.30pm on Tuesdays.

The class is for anyone aged 50-plus, including those living with dementia or other long-term health conditions.

Active Fenland is supporting the project which is led by the Sporting Memories charity.

These sessions will allow older people with an interest in sport to come together weekly for two hours.

It will include an hour of relaxed chat, which can include quizzes and fun activities such as ‘spot the ball’, free refreshments and an hour of light physical exercise such as curling, chair-based exercise or boccia.

The full Fenland District Council Active Fenland programme, open to all in Fenland, includes everything from kickboxing for beginners to dementia-friendly seated exercise.

Active Fenland secures grant funding to provide opportunities for people to live more active lives, especially where they might face additional barriers to do so.

Cllr Alex Miscandlon, Fenland District Council’s portfolio holder for leisure, said: “Active Fenland prides itself on offering a diverse range of free and low-cost exercise and wellbeing activities for people across the district.

“We look forward to seeing people reap the rewards of the Sporting Memories group and know the joy it brings will not only extend to those who attend, but the volunteers who deliver it too.”

“We repeatedly hear the huge benefits of self-worth and purpose volunteers feel for getting involved - and we’re so thankful for that because without them these things could not happen,” Cllr Miscandlon added.

Reporting by Cara Fiore