Residents across Jersey are finding significant benefits to their physical and mental health through free seated exercise and laughing yoga sessions. The ‘Laugh, Move & Groove’ program, a not-for-profit initiative, travels to community centers and care homes to help individuals maintain mobility regardless of their physical capabilities.
The group, which partners with various charities to support people with different levels of ability, has been shortlisted for the BBC Radio Jersey Make a Difference Awards for its community impact. Many of its classes have reported being fully booked due to high demand.
Linda Crawford, a participant who has attended sessions at St Ouen’s Parish Hall for the past nine months, described the unexpected intensity of the workouts. Although she initially assumed seated movements would be low-impact, she found them to be quite strenuous.
‘Because my body feels it’s moved a lot, my mind feels calm as well,’ Crawford said, noting that the classes have made an enormous difference for people at every level, including those with various physical restrictions.
Volunteer leader Jackie Turner emphasized that the sessions provide more than just physical activity; they foster essential social connections. Turner explained that as people age, social opportunities often diminish, making the fun, friendship-building environment of these classes particularly valuable.
The winners of the BBC Radio Jersey Make a Difference Awards will be announced on September 14.
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