A leisure centre is improving the physical and mental health of those living with dementia following the launch of a new class.

Redcar and Cleveland Leisure and Community Heart, run by leading leisure operator Everyone Active in partnership with Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, started ‘Everyone is Friendly’ recently.

Those living with dementia and their carers or partners can come along, with the class currently attracting 22 people.

David Arundell, Everyone Active’s general manager, said: “It has been fantastic to watch Everyone is Friendly enjoy so much success since launch and we are confident it will continue to flourish.

“Our aim is to provide an inclusive offering for people from across the community, so everyone has the chance to get active and improve their physical and mental health.

"Exercise provides so many benefits and those who attend Everyone is Friendly are also forming new friendships and having fun.”

Various activities take place which cater for participants’ needs, such as table top games, badminton, short tennis, table tennis and target sports for visually-challenged people.

There is also a picture quiz and a chair-based exercise class, with the session being the brainchild of duty manager John Rennison and GP referral coordinator Ian Hall.

Everyone Active has partnered with Dementia UK to increase awareness of dementia and raise vital funds to support families living with the condition.

Dementia is a huge and growing health crisis.

Every three minutes, someone in the UK develops dementia and currently, more than 900,000 people live with the diagnosis in the UK, with this number expected to rise to one million by 2025.

The charity’s Admiral Nurses provide life-changing support and guidance for families affected by all forms of dementia in communities, hospitals and hospices, on the free national Dementia Helpline, and in clinics.

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Everyone is Friendly takes place on Thursdays from 1pm-2.20pm.

Entry is free and the centre just asks for a small donation to Dementia UK, Everyone Active’s charity partner.

Anyone interested in attending Everyone is Friendly can talk to colleagues at reception or phone the centre on 01642-771-070.