Friendship formed over yoga and a cuppa at Chelmsford care home

The gentle poses of seated yoga have uncovered a shared love of fitness for friends at a Chelmsford care home.

Sheila Haddon, aged 96, and 83-year-old Kathy Sousta have bonded over a love of the weekly yoga and meditation class at Cherry Wood Grange, a care home on Writtle Road in Chelmsford that provides residential, dementia and end of life care.

The home’s lifestyle lead, Bex Harmer, said: “The relationship that has developed between them is lovely to see and proves that you are never too old to make new friends! It’s one of the brilliant things about life at Cherry Wood Grange, there is always company.

“In her youth Sheila was a keen ballroom dancer, and Kathy loved walking and sea swimming. Neither of the ladies had tried yoga before moving here, but both have really taken to it.”

The seated yoga consists of gentle stretches, breathing exercises, yoga poses, and relaxation. The class, ran by yoga instructor Bryanna, includes a break midway for tea, biscuits and chat.

Sheila loves the social aspect of the class, she explained: “In my ballroom dancing days I loved meeting people and getting to dance with new partners.

“Kathy and I love taking the yoga class together, keeping fit and active has always been important to both of us. Plus, we love a natter over a cuppa and a biscuit during the break.

“I find the class very relaxing, and it helps me to sleep wonderfully. I get involved with lots of activities, but yoga is my favourite.”

Kathy has seen an improvement in her fitness levels since attending the yoga classes. She said: “I can move my arms and legs much more now. I miss going sea swimming, it always made me feel energised and refreshed, but yoga actually provides that same feeling of being uplifted and revived.

“Sheila and I like to take part in lots of the activities together, we both like to be creative and enjoy the art sessions and flower arranging, I love a quiz, and Sheila enjoys a sing-along. But the yoga class is the one we both most look forward to each week.”

Sue Smith, manager at the home, added: “It’s been lovely to watch Kathy and Sheila’s friendship blossom.

“Yoga is a fantastic way for the ladies to socialise and have fun, while keeping fit.

“Physical activity is incredibly beneficial to older adults, it reduces cardiovascular risk, improves sleep, promotes better cognitive function and reduces the risk of falls by increasing strength and stability.”

Cherry Wood Grange are rated ‘Good’ by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and were Regional Finalists at the Great British Care Awards 2023 for ‘Putting People First’.