A local charity is teaming up with Barclays to deliver 4000 activity packs to benefit users of reablement services across Northumberland and Tyne & Wear to support independent living.

The packs, which will be distributed evenly by Rise North East across all six local authorities, will contain a variety of items to help maintain and improve strength and balance such as resistance bands, sponge balls and stress balls with a set of instruction cards for exercises, marbles to support fine motor skills, and balloons for improving lung capacity. Also included in the packs will be printed tea towels with exercises to do safely while the kettle boils.

The active partnership has been chosen as one of Barclays UK’s partners to help deliver their £100m Community Aid Package, for the meaningful work they are doing with groups and projects in the local community, supporting the immediate needs of low-income families, those facing financial hardship, and isolated elderly people.

Adam Brougham, Strategic Lead for Adult Health and Wellbeing said: “Many people using reablement services need support to regain their confidence and independence. Keeping active supports this as a benefit to not only our physical health, but also our mental well-being. That is why we are delighted to be working with our local authorities to distribute the packs to residents across Northumberland and Tyne & Wear. We hope that these packs will give many people the means to regain their strength, balance and co-ordination.”

Geoff Watson, Barclays Area Director in the North East, said: “The pandemic has had an unprecedented impact across the UK, and we know this is an incredibly challenging time for many in the North East region. By reaching those most in need of support, local charities, such as Rise have played a vital role in this crisis to date, and no doubt they will do going forward and as we move out of lockdown.

“As a proud member of our community, we are doing everything we can for our customers, clients and colleagues, and we hope that our partnership with Rise will allow many others to access the help they need during lockdown and beyond.”