As a carer, your wellbeing is very important. Staying active can support both your physical and mental health, whilst you support someone else. Carers Active April is a national campaign to help carers be active, and organisations across Lincolnshire are supporting those with caring responsibilities to take some time to look after their own wellbeing, through getting active.
Throughout April, activities will take place across Lincolnshire to help carers become more active and to highlight the importance of keeping moving and trying new ways to fit activity into daily life.
Take a look at what’s on offer below – or find an activity for you on our Activity finder.
Research from Carers UK found that 67% of unpaid carers said taking part in physical activity helped them feel more connected to other people, and 73% said that being physically active makes them feel good about themselves.
Find activities and groups to support your being active in Lincolnshire.
Lincolnshire Carers Service are putting on a number of events for Carers Active April. All the events are available for members of Carers First Lincolnshire. Events include wellness walks, a beach boogie, line dancing and archery, alongside a programme of regular events which include wellbeing groups and chill and chat sessions.
One You Lincolnshire Active April Challenge
You can sign up to the April challenge with One You Lincolnshire to take part in just 21.4 minutes of activity alongside others, by fitting quick bitesize activity around your daily life. Follow the link below to sign up.
Lincoln City Foundation, has a range of activities taking place across April and beyond with carers able to take part for free when they bring the person they support for a session. Some activities include:
Boston United Community Foundation provide activities for all ages and abilities with a range of low-cost sessions available, such as football, table tennis, indoor archery, indoor bowls and basketball. Boston United Community Foundation also run sessions for those suffering with poor mental health and those wanting to improve their physical fitness levels.
If you’re an unpaid carer aged over 16 in Lincolnshire, Carers First Lincolnshire can offer you support with online help and advice as well as 1-2-1 practical and emotional support.
Carers UK is inviting carers to take part in Carers Active Together Day, on 15 April, a day of national action all about promoting movement, wellbeing and the power of community for unpaid carers.
Your invited to join in by being active in a way that feels positive, refreshing and recharging for you – whether that’s something gentle at home, joining an online session, going for a short walk, or taking part in a local activity. Share how you’re planning to take part by registering and receive a digital certificate.
Across Lincolnshire’s Leisure Centres there are carer goes free opportunities, where carers can go along with the person they support free of charge. There are also options for side-by-side classes with the person you care for and supervised sessions – contact your local provider for details of what’s available at specific locations. Many centres also have discounted membership for carers. Follow the links to find out more about each centre.
You can access a range of online and in person courses to support your mental wellbeing alongside keeping active, through the Lincolnshire Wellbeing Recovery college.
Wellbeing Walks are short walks, led by friendly, specially trained volunteer walk leaders, who are on hand to provide encouragement and support. Lincolnshire Co-op supports over 78 walks across Lincolnshire and Newark. Starting and finishing at the same location, all walks are free of charge, lasting between 30 and 90 minutes.
Wellbeing walks are inclusive and welcoming of all ages and fitness levels. They are also a range of condition specific events available:
Nettleham Sensory Stroll (Dementia Friendly), 11.45pm first Thursday of every month.
Meet at Nettleham Village Hall, Brookland Avenue, Nettleham, LN2 2SS
Boultham Park Dementia Walk ( 10am, 2nd Wednesday of every month)
Starts from Boultham Park House Care Home, Rookery Lane, LN6 7PH (meets at the back gate adjoining the park)
Boultham Park Respiratory Stroll (Lincoln City Foundation) 1st & 3rd Thursday, 1.30pm outside Linkage Cafe in Boultham Park.
Whisby Nature Park, meet at the Natural World Centre, every Monday, 10.30
This walk is specifically tailored for the visually impaired, but may be suitable for other disabilities also.
There’s no need to book, but if you would like more details get in touch with Lincolnshire co-op Wellbeingwalks@lincolnshire.coop or telephone 01522 544 632.
Find wellbeing Walks and other led walks near you on our Activity Finder or follow the link below for more information about wellbeing walks.
Launching on 11 April the South Kesteven Walking Festival, offers something for everyone whether you fancy a gentle stroll, a family-friendly adventure, or a more challenging countryside hike. With guided walks, themed experiences, and activities for all ages and abilities, it’s a great way to get moving, meet new people, and make the most of the season. Routes are indicated with a difficulty rating and many are wheelchair friendly, and many are free.
Walking is one of the easiest ways to be active. You don’t need any special equipment to get started and you can fit it into your existing routine.
Find tips and ideas to get started and places to walk on our walking pages.
Watch the video to find out more about Boultham Park Respiratory Stroll.
Carers UK has developed a range of inclusive activity and wellbeing videos aimed at unpaid carers so that they can be active at home when it’s convenient to them.
We are Undefeatable
We are Undefeatable supports people with a range of long-term health conditions to be active. Their website has a range of resources to inspire people living with health conditions to move in a way that works for them. Access a free app, 5 in 5 workouts – a series of seven mini workouts, as well as Freedom to move videos with Bill Bailey. Follow along with the person you care for.
Sign up to the April challenge with One You Lincolnshire to take part in just 21.4 minutes of activity alongside others, by fitting quick bitesize activity around your daily life.
Carers The Royal Voluntary Service’s Virtual Village Hall offers a free live activity session every week and has an extensive archive of sessions to view on demand. Activities include dance classes, yoga an mediation as well as cooking and crafts.
If your an unpaid carer aged 16 and over and supporting someone in Lincolnshire, the Lincolnshire Carers Service is here to help with online support and advice, as well as 1-2-1 practical and emotional support.
Contact the Lincolnshire County Council Carer Wellbeing Hub on 01522 782224 or fill in the request for support form here
Julie has danced her whole life, when she developed Alzheimer’s, however, she had a harder time staying active in ways she always loved. Together with her husband Peter, who cares for her, she has taken up running, which allows them both to stay active and socialise with the wider community. Watch their video to find out more.
