Boost Fund Stories: Seniors With Energetic Lifestyles, North Lanarkshire
Seniors With Energetic Lifestyles
The Boost Fund is delivered by Corra Foundation and is a partnership between STV Children’s Appeal, Comic Relief, and Corra Foundation, and is supported by players of Postcode Lottery. Boost is currently open to applications and provides small grants for community-led organisations across Scotland supporting local people affected by poverty or disadvantage.
Founded over 15 years ago in North Lanarkshire, Seniors With Energetic Lifestyles (SWELS) is as a vibrant community group. We saw a surge in our numbers post-Covid, growing from a small elderly group to over 100 members by 2025. With many members having found themselves isolated at that time, we recognised the need for additional activity and social engagement for seniors in our local area.
We offer classes including chair aerobics and Tai Chi and arrange social events throughout the year, helping to promote health and combat isolation. Our work aligns with Wishaw and Shotts Local Outcome Improvement Plan goals, including: inclusion, community health, tackling inequalities.
Transforming lives through activity and connection
SWELS plays a key role locally in improving physical and mental health for seniors, vulnerable adults, carers, disabled and visually impaired members by offering accessible and inclusive fitness classes. Weekly chair aerobics and Tai Chi is on offer for a diverse array of groups in multiple local villages, including Newmains, Cambusnethan, Allanton, Shotts, and Wishaw.
We run a calendar of key events throughout the year, including the Summer Bus Run, October Tea Dance, Christmas Lunch and March Tea Dance, helping create regular local connections and reduce loneliness. These events are much looked forward to, fostering friendships and a sense of family, especially for isolated older residents.
The Summer Bus Run is our biggest annual expense and a highlight for many. Last year this was an outing to Dalziel Park, taking members for a day trip followed by a meal. This can be the only day away some members will have all year and is eagerly awaited on by everyone.
SWELS has no staff and is run entirely by seven dedicated committee members and two certified instructors who organise all the events, logistics and bookings. Volunteering on the committee gives members purpose, further improving their lives. All activities are designed to be accessible and inclusive and working in partnership with local venues and artists also helps to boost the local economy.
We rely on grants such as Boost to keep our community thriving! Continued funding ensures SWELS remains a vital resource for health, well-being, and community connection.
Many thanks to SWELS for taking the time to write this piece for us!
You can find out if The Boost Fund is the right fit for you and apply at:
https://www.corra.scot/grants/boost-fund/
