TAI CHI is the latest activity to be offered to local people with dementia and their carers.

Dementia Friendly Keighley is teaming up with instructors Helen Parsons and Phillip Sheridan to run the Tai Chi for Health group.

The class will start on Wednesday June 26 and run initially for eight weeks as a pilot scheme.

Dementia Friendly Keighley (DFA) trustee Maggie Marsden said: “We are anticipating that it will be very popular and are already looking at funding the class to continue long into the future.”

Maggie said physical activity and exercise in various forms had long been recognised as beneficial for those living with dementia.

She said: “Regular practice of Tai Chi can offer a workout as taxing as vigorous exercise such as Zumba, but without the sweat or need to wear sports clothing!

“It is a very relaxing form of exercise that brings a sense of calm, as well as working the leg muscles that help with balance and coordination.

“As well as improving balance and strength to prevent falls, it may also be a great source of fun and a way to reduce stress in people with dementia and their carers!”

Helen and Philip are trained and experienced Huntun Tai Chi instructors, who teach Tai Chi for Health programmes created by Australian family physician Dr. Paul Lam.

Helen said: “Originally created as a martial art, Tai Chi today is practised for its health benefits.

“The class is open to anyone with dementia living independently or attending with a carer. Participants will need to be able to walk, stand for short periods or to sit upright without support.

“They will also need to be able to follow simple instructions. Those with other long-term health conditions need to check with their GP before attending.”

The class will begin at 10.15am and run for about an hour at Oakworth Village Hall (formerly Holden Hall) in Oakworth.

Dementia Friendly Keighley is seeking two volunteers to attend each class to support the participants, take a register and provide refreshments.

Anyone interested should call Maggie on 07971 527525, call at the Dementia Friendly Keighley office in the Brunswick Arcade at the Airedale Shopping Centre, or email info@dementiafrienldykeighley.org.uk.

Visit huntuntaichi.uk for further information about the classes.