‘Smashing’ Success as Cowley Hill’s Over 50s Get Active

On the 12th of August 2024, 85 Older Adults attended Herts Sport & Physical Activity Partnership (HSP) and Hertsmere Borough Council's (HBC) first Live Longer Better event in Cowley Hill, Borehamwood.  

The event, at Aberford Community Centre, consisted of a carousel of FREE activities that were or were soon to be on offer to residents in the Spotlight area of Cowley Hill. The Partnership and HBC have been working hard over the last 18 months to reduce health inequalities in an area of targeted need, through physical activity. By HSP and HBC facilitating this event, it has enabled residents to try out activities they had never participated in before and become inspired. Activities included, Back 2 Bowls, Herts Health Walks, Strength and Balance, Tai Chi, Badminton and Walking Football. 

One local resident who attended commented:

“Today’s event was amazing. It’s not just the range of activities that were on offer but the chance to meet so many helpful people working hard in our community. Thank you so much.” 

About the event, Charlotte Bird, Active Aging Officer for HSP said:

“It was so brilliant to speak to attendees who haven’t taken part in these sorts of activities before. Some were hesitant about joining in, but after watching the sessions, they got involved and told us how much they had enjoyed it and wanted to continue”.  

Communities 1st, Healthy Hub, Health & Independent Living Service (HILS), Herts Badminton Association, Hertfordshire Health Walks, Leecliffe Big Local, Empathy Care24, Live Longer Better in Hertfordshire and InspireAll were all in attendance to promote activities in the community.  

Helen Hopkins, from Hertsmere Borough Council commented:

“A huge thanks to HSP for coordinating the event. It is a testament to the fabulous partnership working in Cowley Hill through the Active Local programme.” 

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