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"Hyde Balance Class"

About: Community Therapy Services / Avon Valley

(as a service user),

I have just completed a 12-week course with Teresa and Paul.  After suffering several years of falls and being unable to get up again, my doctor suggested I attend the above. (I am approaching 90 and have used a variety of walking sticks and rollators over the last few years which have helped but not prevented the falls.) I have extreme difficulty getting myself up off the ground (2 bad Knees!) (I have devised a way of shuffling on my bottom to a large sofa so that I can gradually raise myself up by using the cushions!) which is fine if I'm in the house. Outside is more difficult , so I have an emergency button like a big watch with which I can call for help. 

I think the best thing I have gained from the course is confidence. I haven't had a fall for 12 weeks now largely due to Teresa and Pauls massive encouragement, making me feel that I could do it and that I was getting better every week! The warmth and and friendliness I received has made the last 12 weeks really enjoyable and I wouldn't hesitate if I was able to join a more advanced class, but living in the country, I am limited to driving only short distances and most classes seem to be in the towns and cities (understandingly). However I would like to stress just how much these classes and activities really do enhance the lives of my generation! (If only the transport were available!?!?)

Team work

Team work


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Responses

Response from Jamie Hawthorn, Integrated Clinical Lead, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust 2 days ago
Jamie Hawthorn
Integrated Clinical Lead,
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
Submitted on 10/10/2025 at 13:54
Published on Care Opinion at 13:54


Many thanks for sharing your feedback on the NHS Balance Class programme. I am so pleased you have benefitted and will ensure the team gets to hear of your feedback.

With regards to finding local exercise classes similar to continue with it can be indeed be challenging in more rural areas, we recommend the Steady and Strong programme details can be found by google searching 'Steady and Strong' and clicking into the hants.gov website which has details of all classes available. Depending on where you are in the Avon Valley area classes may be in Fordingbridge or Ringwood or perhaps looking further afield over the county borders into Wiltshire (Salisbury) or Dorset (Ferndown)! It may also be worth trying to find online classes or pre recorded videos to follow if transport is an issue.

All the best with your onward journey of exercise and maintenance of your new found confidence.

J

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