Barbara Tait makes national shortlist for Outstanding Contribution to Social Care

Barbara Tait, Fitness Instructor at Belong Macclesfield, has been selected as a finalist in the Outstanding Contribution category at the respected Laing and Buisson Independent Specialist Care Awards 2014.
Barbara runs the award winning 'Independence through exercise' programme at the Belong Macclesfield village. She is trained in fitness and has specialised in supporting older people through exercise. Through Barbara's outstanding level of dedication, the service that she introduced at Belong Macclesfield has met with remarkable results; helping older people to maintain their independence and improve their strength, mobility, memory and wellbeing. A recent scientifically controlled study also found that moderate but regular exercise is one of the best ways of preventing the onset of dementia, by boosting brain regeneration.
Caroline Ray, General Manager at Belong Macclesfield, said: "The benefits of Barbara's fitness programmes, both to Belong residents and members of the local community, have been striking. We're proud that Barbara has been nominated for such a prestigious award. Her unwavering enthusiasm and commitment to the value of exercise for older people has changed lives."
Barbara Tait said of her award: "It's incredible to have the work that we do in Belong Macclesfield recognised like this. More than anything, I hope that these awards will highlight just how important regular exercise is for older people. Regular exercise is proven to help decrease stiffness and pain, improve balance and coordination, and make a huge difference to daily living and falls prevention. By creating an individual exercise programme for everybody that uses the service, within a specialist suite of exercise equipment, we have the means to help older people stay healthy and independent for longer. "
Winners of the Independent Specialist Care Awards 2014 will be announced by the Rt Hon Michael Portillo at a gala dinner on the 12th of March, at the London Lancaster Hotel.