Chiswick charity Move into Wellbeing marks 10 years of dance-based support

Reflecting on a decade of growth and support for people living with mobility issues, Parkinson’s, and other neurological conditions.

Founded by long-time Chiswick resident Donna Schoenherr, Move into Wellbeing offers dance and movement classes delivered by specially trained instructors. Sessions are part-seated and designed to be inclusive and accessible.

The organisation now runs more than seven weekly classes, as well as online and live-streamed options, with a 24/7 digital library of exercises.

The very first class took place in January 2015 at Arts Educational Schools London on Bath Road, following a year and a half of preparation. Donna, who is still the Director, said:

“This marker is a huge accomplishment and with it comes a great responsibility to the community that we have built. We started off very humbly and with great hope. It was a challenging time and there was no certainty we would succeed.”

The charity achieved formal registration status in April 2017 and has since gone on to develop a wide range of partnerships, build a strong team of teachers, and expand its reach. It is now listed on websites including Parkinson’s UK, Dance for PD®, People Dancing, Age UK and Age Concern.

Move into Wellbeing also works with a number of local initiatives and charities, including: Integrated Neurological Services in Twickenham, Hounslow Seniors Trust, Stay Steady & Active Campaign of Hounslow, Falls Prevention and Bone Health of Hounslow.

More recently, the charity has partnered with Home Instead Hammersmith & Chiswick to launch a new free class series in Fulham, starting Monday 12 May. Anyone interested in attending can contact Kris Dulnik at Home Instead on 0208 746 1213 or by email: kris@hc.homeinstead.co.uk.

You can read about more about Home Instead here,  who, as partner of The Chiswick Calendar, have contributed a number of articles into various aspects of care, which you can see here.

Move into Wellbeing have also secured another National Lottery Community Fund grant to continue hosting their popular Monthly Tea & Coffee Social Hours, held termly after Saturday classes.

Upcoming events include:

• A free class at Questors Theatre Community Festival, Saturday 31 May at 2.30pm
• A stall at Green Days at Bedford Park Festival, Sunday 8 June
• A fundraising classical music concert at St Michael and All Angels Church, Thursday 10 July at 7.30pm

To find out more, visit moveintowellbeing.org.uk, or email info@moveintowellbeing.org.uk.