Radius, Choice and Triangle Housing Associations invite women from across Ballymena to take part in a free 8-week programme of Yoga, Zumba, or Arts & Crafts.
These programmes will run across 3 venues in Ballymena and accommodate up to 60 women:
Zumba classes in The Braid, Ballymena from 19th February at 7pm
Yoga classes in All Saints Parish Centre from 20th February at 7pm
Arts & Crafts classes in Ballee Community Centre from 7th March at 7pm
Each hour-long class is followed by some delicious hot food and a chance to relax and have a conversation with fellow participants.
This programme also offers women participating a chance to take part in a wellbeing centred residential visit to Corrymeela, Ballycastle in May.
The three Housing Associations in Ballymena continue to work in partnership with the local joint Shared Housing Advisory Group to develop their Good Relations Plans, at recent meetings community stakeholders discussed the need for Health and wellbeing support and interventions in the community.
Marion Graham, Good Relations Officer for Triangle Housing elaborates:
“It was also suggested that programmes that bring people across the community together and which include time to share food and build relationships would be really welcome.”
The Housing Associations have partnered with Marzena Kepska from “The Flow Project NI” to facilitate the programmes across Ballymena. Marzena said:
“This programme will aim to improve well-being, tackle social isolation, and build community. Similar classes were run out in the Causeway area, supported by Radius Housing, and the women attending really enjoyed them. Women are welcome to be in touch at any time through the life of the project to find out more, there may still be spaces available and there will also be a waiting list system in place for classes.”
Lisa Mooney, Communities Officer, Radius Housing said of the programme:
“Yoga, Zumba and Arts are known for being beneficial to health and wellbeing. They areinclusive activities and bring with them an insight into other cultures.
"The addition of a wellbeing themed retreat to Corrymeela in Ballycastle, will allow women from across Ballymena to come together, to connect, build relationships and enhance good relations across diverse communities in Ballymena.”
Cyril Moorhead, Good Relations Officer for Choice Housing added:
“The Housing Associations are delighted to offer this wellbeing programme out to tenants, community reps and the wider community across Ballymena. Get in touch with Marzena to book your space. We anticipate high demand for this programme.”
This wellbeing programme is supported by the Department for Communities and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive’s ‘Housing for All’ Shared Housing Programme. The Programme has its origins in the NI Executive Together: Building a United Community Strategy which reflects the Executive’s commitment to improving community relations and continuing the journey towards a more united and shared society.
Radius Housing is currently developing a new 135 home project at the former St Patrick’s Barracks site in Ballymena. Choice have 36 homes at Nursery Close, Ballymena and Triangle have 64 new homes in Shared Housing schemes for families and the Over 55s categories at Regents Park, Galgorm Road and Broadway Avenue, Ballymena. This represents a potential combined shared housing good relations investment of £24million in Ballymena.
To find out more and register interest for sessions please contact: marzena@theflowprojectni.com