JULY 11 LETTERS write to reply
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contribution of older people should not be underestimated Colin Milner makes a number of excellent points in his article on Positive Ageing (HCM April 11, p48), particularly in relation to age apathy and the negative perceptions of the ageing process. But what should also be recognised is
the enormous contribution that older people themselves can bring to positive activities given the right infrastructure, availability and encouragement. At SLM, through our brand Everyone
Active, we’ve established a number of enormously successful exercise and ageing initiatives, ranging from outreach classes in venues such as sheltered housing and community halls to GP referral schemes. Activities have included group
exercise, badminton, tai chi, swimming and ballroom dancing. All have been embraced enthusiastically by our older customers, and their obvious enjoyment has in turn enthused and motivated the staff providing the resource. This, I think, is the key to successful
First steps: New entrants to the industry “need advice, not a sales pitch”
advice & support for trainees must start from day one
I was interested to read your ‘Reality Check’ article (HCM March 11, p50). When it comes to career advice, I often wonder if our industry is doing enough. I speak to people every day who are looking to find their niche in this exciting industry, and I’m shocked by the lack of support and genuine advice they’ve received. It saddens me to hear some of their stories. I spoke today, for example, to a 30-
year-old male with a personal interest in fitness, who was considering a new career path. His concern was the lack of funding and advice available to help him develop a new career. He felt he was being ‘sold to’ instead of being given proper advice – being offered packaged deals but no actual advice about the industry.
6 In addition, many people complete
their qualifications with little idea of what to do next, resulting in them dropping out of the industry early. I believe mentoring and support should
start at the point of the initial enquiry with the fitness industry educator. Let’s give people a head-start, ensuring they have the confidence to gain employment and build a successful career from day one. We must cut the focus on sales and
increase industry advice, with better links to available funding. The wave of unemployment and redundancies in the UK has a created a large pool of fresh, intelligent people who we should be welcoming into our industry – but many are currently falling at the first hurdle. adam simpson career advisor, soho gyms academy
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provision of facilities for older people – not to underestimate their own resourcefulness, their healthy sense of humour and their trust and respect both for their instructors and for their contemporaries in the classes. While they are receiving instruction
in these classes, it’s worth remembering that they also have a lot to give. anselm gurney gm, slm (mid-suffolk leisure centre)
Swimming is part of SLM’s offering july 2011 © cybertrek 2011
JULY 2011
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