Monday shake up at Pennine Mencap

Getting the new year off to a good start is a common aim for most, whether it’s a health-based resolution or pushing yourself out of your comfort zone.

Pennine Mencap is a local charity, based at Rhodes Bank Chambers on Union Street, Oldham, that supports and provides opportunities for adults with learning disabilities and complex needs in the community.  

They aim to combat the Monday blues and target vulnerable demographics in staying active and social. With an 11am start for group activities, service users get started with a dance-based fitness class, dancercise, a lively session at the studio.  

With the sound system up and party lights on, this activity is designed to get the body moving in a fun way. 

Whether it's playing some cheesy classics or the current biggest songs, there is always themed music to pair with the choreography. 

Keeping these sessions accessible is a vital part of running fitness-based activities; everything is adaptable, allowing freedom of movement in a welcoming environment, which is something many people with additional needs haven’t had access to previously. 

Implementing new health-based practices should be available for all; however, staff at the charity is all too familiar with the recurring struggles faced by adults with additional needs who attempt to make big personal changes.  

Public spaces, such as gyms and other recreational provisions, aren’t always accessible.  Overstimulating environments and a lack of structured support can make these changes daunting.  

As a result, the charity spares no effort in adapting and meeting the needs of service users.  Keeping their prices low is crucial in welcoming as many individuals as possible to enjoy a supportive atmosphere with a purpose.  

The costs cover a day of sessions from dancercise, walk or wheel group and a nutritious lunch.  WOW (Walk or Wheel) group is an activity that sets off at 1pm as a group from the charity’s HQ.  

From exploring local spaces on their doorstep to venturing further afield to town halls, local museums and galleries.  

Daniel, a regular service user who thrives in the group’s exploration of nature and loves to document, said: “WOW group is my favourite; I love seeing new things.” 

The combination of journeying to interesting sites with physical exercise creates a positive outlet for productivity and socialising. Participants often leave the Monday sessions feeling accomplished and make a lasting impact on mental health.  

Unpredictable weather can be a concern for some individuals when planning a walking-based component of their day; to combat this, the charity has a purpose-built gym within its own building.  

The gym opens immeasurable opportunities for kickstarting this year with optimism for disadvantaged adults in the community. The gym’s makeover couldn’t have been done without the contributions from the National Lottery Awards for All, as well as Sport England Movement Fund.  

These organisations have assisted greatly in the reshaping of the top floor to allow for a modern gym with equipment/apparatus that provides comprehensive experiences in wellness regardless of physical ability/capacity.  

The charity is always planning and offering exciting new opportunities to their service users.  One upcoming trip surrounds their invitation to the Oldham Mayor’s Office on January 26.  

If you or someone you know has an interest in attending Pennine Mencap’s Monday sessions, please contact rebecca.gittings@penninemencap.org.