Fitness sessions for the elderly are being delivered at three weekly activity clubs in Epping Forest until May.

Organised by the charity Voluntary Action Epping Forest (VAEF), the sessions will provide tailored line dancing, chair-based exercise and nostalgic dancing to the needs of more than 90 elderly clients at the clubs in North Weald, Loughton and Waltham Abbey.

The sessions are running thanks to funding awarded by Active Essex Find Your Active, operated by Essex County Council. This is the second time this activity has been funded by Active Essex.

Previous sessions helped participants enhance their strength and balance and exercise sheets were provided for people to take home. The same is expected to happen following this second round of successful funding.

VAEF Befriending Community Clubs were developed to support socially isolated older people across the Epping Forest district. The service offers weekly social clubs for anyone aged 65 years or over and also allows carers a short respite.

Julie Bristow, from VAEF Befriending Services, said: “These clubs give each and every one of our clients a reason to regularly get out and about, meet their friends and have fun. They are absolutely crucial to improving the quality of their lives. Thanks so much Active Essex – these clubs really are live changing”.

As well as offering these sessions at the weekly social clubs, VAEF Befriending offers fortnightly day trips out which include visits to the theatre, boat rides and much more. These outings provide much needed stimulation to many, reduce social isolation and add a significant improvement to their quality of lives.

If you or someone you know is at risk of isolation now or in the coming months, call VAEF Befriending Community Clubs on 07708 171 116 or visit www.vaef.org.uk for more information.