Community Strength & Balance 

Strength & Balance sessions are a wonderful way to build strength and refresh your social calendar.

Specially designed for older people, each session includes simple active options in a friendly social setting with time for a cup of tea, a chat and a biscuit.

Hosted by friendly, knowledgable instructors in neigbourhoods across Taranaki there is a session to suit everyone.

These sessions help prevent falls and fractures, supporting you to keep active and independent for longer. They are making a real difference.

Why not give one a try?​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

What is your falls risk?

​​​​​​​Each year one in three people aged 65 and over will fall.

This risk increases to one in two people a​​​​​​​ged 80 and over.

  • Have you slipped, tripped or fallen in the last year?

  • Have you had to use your hands to get out of a chair?

  • Have you stopped some activities because you worry you might lose your balance?

  • Are you concerned about falling?

If you answered ‘Yes’  and would like to stay stronger for longer come along to a Strength & Balance class. 

Attending exercise classes specifically designed to improve strength and balance will reduce your falls risk.

Research shows when people exercise to strengthen their legs and core, their balance improves and their risk of falls reduces by almost one third. ​​​​​​​

Community Strength and Balance Coordinator

hilary.blackstock@sporttaranaki.org.nz

Phone: 06 759 0930

86% said they are no longer worried about falling after coming to classes

86%  said they no longer stop activities they enjoy doing after coming to the class as they are more confident they will keep their balance

Social connection, health benefits and instructors were the most liked aspects for class attendees.

Classes were described as affordable and enjoyable and a way of making friends.​​​​​​​

Source: Survey of Strength & Balance Class attendees - 2019

Become a Leader

Older people who have weak muscles, unsteady balance or trouble walking are three to five times more likely to fall in a year than those who do not.

The good news is there is strong evidence that regular community-based strength and balance classes can cut the risk of falls by nearly 30%.

That is why ACC and Sport Taranaki are looking for people and organisations keen to start new classes, or adapt existing ones, to support older adults in Taranaki.

Why become a Strength & Balance Leader?

It is a is a rewarding way to support people to live stronger, steadier lives.

You will help older people:

  • Stay independent and well at home

  • Build strength and confidence

  • Enjoy better health and social connections

What is involved?

You will receive support including:

  • Free initial training and First Aid certification

  • Ongoing support, six monthly upskilling workshops, and face to face and phone support.

  • Face to face and phone support

  • Class resources like plans, equipment ideas and circuit cards

  • Health and Safety support

  • Free class promotion through Sport Taranaki and our partners 

  • Connection to a network of leaders


Approved classes are also part of a trusted referral pathway through health professionals.

To learn more or get started, contact Hilary Blackstock.

hilary.blackstock@sporttaranaki.org.nz