Residents were in the mood for dancing at the start of a new course in the Borough last week.

Green Candle Dance company, who bring dance experiences to those with the least access to it, have launched the new sessions in Brentwood Borough Council’s three sheltered housing schemes at Chichester House, Victoria Court and Danbury House.

The dance company is working in partnership with Brentwood Borough Council, Essex County Council and the Brentwood Health and Wellbeing Board to deliver the dance workshops for older people in Brentwood.

The fun and engaging weekly dance workshops support older people to: keep active both in body and mind; improve balance, coordination and strength to help prevent falls; reduce social isolation by bringing residents from the three sheltered houses together; and build individuals’ self-confidence and self-esteem to help them to live well.

The sessions coincided with Mental Health Awareness Week this week (14th – 20th May) and were focused on increasing the wellbeing of our residents in sheltered housing schemes.

The scheme will run for six weeks, with a further six sessions planned after the summer.

Brentwood Borough Council's Chair of the Health and Wellbeing Board, Councillor Olivia Sanders, said: “Dance can increase the emotional and physical wellbeing for those with limited mobility.

"We wanted to run these sessions to coincide with Mental Health Awareness Week this week and to provide a fun activity for our residents in sheltered housing. The first session was a success and the residents loved it!”