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This scheme has now closed.  Applicants will be informed of the outcome of their application in the New Year. If you have any queries please email falls@helptheaged.org.uk

Aims of the scheme

The Exercise Bursary Scheme aims to increase the number of practitioners qualified to lead safe and appropriate exercises for older people to improve their quality of life through physical activity.

According to the 2006 Active People Survey, 57 per cent of men and 67.6 per cent of women aged 55 plus do not achieve three sessions of moderate intensive activity each week.

Yet yet physically active people have a 20-30 per cent reduced risk of premature death and up to 50 per cent reduced risk of major chronic disease such as coronary heart disease, stroke, diabetes and cancer.

Help the Aged ran the Exercise Bursary Scheme in 2005, training over 50 people in falls prevention exercise leadership. The Charity is now looking to help broaden the scope of the workforce by training people in leading exercise programmes for older people.

What does the Bursary cover?

The Bursary covers

• the cost of training including manuals, resources, certificates and assessments)

but does not cover

• travel, accommodation, childcare, subsistence or refer/retake costs associated with the training.

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The courses

Help the Aged is working with four training providers to offer six courses. All training providers are recognised by the Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs). The courses available are:

EXTEND training (EXTEND)

• This course provides training for recreational movement to music for the over 60s and less able of all ages. 
• There are no formal entry requirements apart from a commitment to the course and studying. 
• It takes place on 12 contact days spread across a longer period of around three months. 
• Courses for Spring 08 are taking place in Winchester, Birmingham, Walsall, Coventry, Shrewsbury, Worcester, Cheshire and Colwyn Bay.
• For more information please visit www.extend.org.uk

Postural Stability Instructor (Later Life Training)

• This course leads to a specialist qualification in the provision of evidence based exercise for reducing the risk of falls and fractures in frailer older people. 
• There are very specific entry requirements for this course which usually attracts physiotherapists, occupational therapists or Exercise for the Older Person Advanced Instructors (Level 3).
• It takes on six days over an 8-12 week period and includes extensive home study. 
• Courses are run when there is enough interest in a particular area but upcoming courses for Spring 08 include Hitchin, Herts and London.
• For more information please download the course flyer (PDF, 458K) or visit www.laterlifetraining.co.uk/page9.html 

Chair-based Exercise Leadership (Later Life Training)

• This course is designed for health care professionals wishing to deliver evidence led chair-based exercise to frailer older people or those with no formal qualifications but substantial experience working with older people.
• There are no academic requirements but candidates should have experience of working with older people.
• The course runs over 4 days.
• Courses are run when there is enough interest in a particular area.
• For more information, please visit www.laterlifetraining.co.uk/ChairLeaders.html  

OTAGO Exercise Leaders Award (Later Life Training)

• This course is a training course and qualification for health and exercise professionals in the delivery of the evidence based OTAGO strength and balance exercise programme for frailer older people. 
• This course does not assume any prior knowledge of exercise and is designed for anyone with experience of working with older people. 
•  It takes place over 4 full days over 4 weeks. 
• Courses for Spring 08 are taking place in London, Manchester/Preston and Perth/Glasgow.
• For more information please download download the course flyer (PDF, 68K) or visit www.laterlifetraining.co.uk/Otago.html    

Motivate Me! (Later Life Training)

• This is a course for teachers, instructors and leaders of exercise classes and groups who wish to learn more about motivating older people to engage in physical activity.  It does not cover exercise delivery.
• There are no academic requirements but candidates should have experience of working with older people.
• This is a one day course; one to be held in London on the 20th May 2008 and one course in the North West (Wigan) on the 22nd May 2008.
• For more information please download the course flyer (PDF, 18K) or visit www.laterlifetraining.co.uk/page25a.html 

Teaching fitness through movement and dance to older adults (Keep Fit Association)

• This course aims to cover a range of disciplines including chair-based and standing exercises as well as Laban's Analysis of Movement to enable existing instructors to specialise in teaching exercise to older adults.
• Candidates are likely to already be working at Level 2 in the fitness industry, or have an interest in fitness and movement.
• The course is held over twelve 5 hour sessions at weekends.
• Courses are held throughout the UK.
• For more information please download the flyer or visit www.keepfit.org.uk or www.emdp.org

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How do I apply?

• This scheme has now closed. 
• Future bursary schemes will be announced via the Preventing Falls update which you can signup to receive at www.helptheaged.org.uk/slipstrips

 

How are applicants selected?

There are a limited number of bursaries available and applicants will be selected on how they plan to use their training with older people.  You have an opportunity to tell us about your plans in the application form.  Applicants will hear from Help the Aged regarding their application in the New Year.

For further information contact the courses directly or contact Cheryl Blake at Help the Aged on 020 7239 1827.

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Other exercise resources

This bursary scheme complements the existing Help the Aged exercise resources, which include:

• Step to the Future VHS & DVD
  A programme of progressive aerobic endurance and strength exercises across two levels for older adults. Available on VHS and DVD with subtitles. DVD also contains optional Hindi voice-over. Copies cost £12 (plus p&p) and are available from our Online Shop.
  
• Strength and balance exercises for healthy ageing
  This A4 hardback freestanding booklet is spiral-bound at the top so that each page can be flipped over. Each exercise is clearly illustrated and described on its own page. Copies cost £4 (plus 50p p&p) and are available in our Preventing Falls section.
  
• Be Strong, Be Steady video
  A programme of complete and progressive chair-based and standing exercises to strengthen muscles, increase flexibility and improve balance. Copies cost £12 (plus p&p) and are available from our Online Shop.
  
• Encouraging positive attitudes to falls prevention later life
  By Professor Lucy Yardley (University of Southampton) and Professor Chris Todd (University of Manchester) published in 2005 at £10.00 (+ £1 p&p). Available from Help the Aged Publishing, Help the Aged, 207-221 Pentonville Road, London N1 9UZ. Please make cheques payable to Help the Aged.