Group: Wycombe Wanderers Foundation
Project: Strictly Dancing, No More Falls
Grant: £14,985
Fund: Healthy Ageing
Wycombe Wanderers Foundation, the charitable arm of Wycombe Wanderers FC, works closely with the club to inspire and support local people. Using the power of exercise and movement, they aim to increase participation in sport, promote health and wellbeing, create education and employment opportunities, and strengthen social inclusion.
With funding from the Healthy Ageing Fund, Wycombe Wanderers Foundation ran the ‘Strictly Dancing, No More Falls’ project. Aimed at people aged over 65, the project centred around gentle exercise with a dance element to improve strength, coordination, agility and balance, as well as confidence in their own bodies. Alongside these physical elements the sessions also broadened their knowledge of fall prevention and actions to take in the event they do fall.
The weekly dance sessions were lively, inclusive, and thoughtfully structured. Each session began with a gentle warm-up designed to ease everyone into activity safely and comfortably. From there, participants were guided through learning new dance steps and simple routines, gradually building confidence before bringing the movements together and dancing to music.
Led by a qualified dance instructor, the sessions offered clear, supportive guidance throughout, ensuring accessibility for both beginners and more experienced participants. A strong focus was placed on posture, balance, coordination, and controlled movement, including correct head and foot placement. These activities contributed to improved physical wellbeing, increased confidence in movement, and supported fall prevention among participants.
The sessions are excellent. Our teacher has been so patient with us. It is so pleasurable to attend and learn new steps every week. A very pleasant workout with plenty of laughter with new friends. A way to do something new and no more falls!
– Participant
In addition to the physical benefits, the project created valuable opportunities for social connection and community engagement. After each session, participants enjoyed a light lunch with tea and coffee in a relaxed and welcoming environment. This social element became a key part of the programme, encouraging conversation, reducing feelings of isolation, and helping participants build meaningful friendships and support networks.
Thanks to the “Strictly Dancing, No More Falls project”, participants built a strong sense of social inclusion, confidence, and wellbeing. It provided not only physical benefits such as improved balance and mobility, but also emotional support and companionship.
