Physical activity and exercise – useful organisations

There are many organisations that can provide information and support about physical activity and exercise for people living with dementia.

Useful organisations

Age UK

Telephone
0800 678 1602 (advice line, 8am–7pm) 

Website
www.ageuk.org.uk

Wales - Age Cymru

Telephone
0300 303 44 98 (advice line, 9am–4pm Monday–Friday)

Email
[email protected]

Website 
www.agecymru.org.uk

Northern Ireland - Age NI

Telephone
0808 808 7575 (advice line, 9am–5pm Monday–Friday)

Email
[email protected]

Website
www.ageuk.org.uk/northern-ireland

Age UK, Age Cymru and Age NI provide information and advice for older people in the UK.

BAT (Bounce Alzheimer’s Therapy) Foundation 

Telephone
07982 813106

Website
www.batfoundation.com

BAT Foundation is a health and wellbeing charity delivering a national table tennis Alzheimer’s therapy programme.

British Gymnastics Foundation

Website
www.britishgymnasticsfoundation.org

The British Gymnastics Foundation has developed a seated exercise programme called ‘Love to Move’. You can download guidelines on this from its website.

Dementia Friendly Swimming Hub 

Email
[email protected] 

Website
www.swimming.org/dementiafriendly

The Dementia Friendly Swimming Hub was developed by Swim England to enhance the swimming experience of those living with dementia and their carers by improving facilities and removing barriers.

Jabadao

Telephone
01473 328330 

Email
[email protected]

Website
www.jabadao.org

Jabadao offers courses and resources to enhance communication and wellbeing in people with dementia and carers, using dance-type movement.

Keep Fit Association (KFA)

Telephone
01403 266000

Email
[email protected]

Website 
www.keepfit.org.uk

KFA offers people the opportunity to meet in a spirit of fun to exercise together. It offers a range of classes, including dedicated classes to people over 50, across the UK.

NHS

Website
www.nhs.uk

The UK’s biggest health website, which includes information on different levels and types of activity.

Thrive

Telephone
0118 988 5688 

Email
[email protected]

Website
www.thrive.org.uk

Thrive uses gardening to bring about positive changes in the lives of people with health conditions including dementia. It runs gardening programmes at regional centres and also in the community.

Ramblers

Website
www.ramblers.org.uk

Walking for Health is England’s largest network of health walks with over 350 active schemes, helping people to lead a more active lifestyle.

Review information

Last reviewed: June 2019

Next review due: June 2022

Our information is based on evidence and need, and is regularly updated using quality-controlled processes. It is reviewed by experts in health and social care and people affected by dementia.

Reviewed by: Dr Elizabeth Coulthard, Consultant Senior Lecturer, Institute of Clinical Neurosciences at University of Bristol and North Bristol NHS Trust, Professor Tom Dening, Professor of Dementia Research, Institute of Mental Health at University of Nottingham, and Ryan Cooper, Senior Musculoskeletal and Orthopaedic Physiotherapist

To give feedback on this information, or for a list of sources, please email [email protected]

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