Participants in Laugh, Move & Groove's free seated exercise and laughter yoga sessions report significant improvements in both physical fitness and mental health. The not-for-profit organisation delivers classes across community centres and care homes throughout Jersey, working alongside charities to make movement accessible to people with varying physical abilities. The group has been recognised for its impact, earning a place among four finalists for a regional community award.
Linda Crawford joined the programme nine months ago at St Ouen's Parish Hall and has experienced the benefits firsthand. She explained her initial expectations were challenged by the intensity of the sessions:
I want to keep as fit as I possibly can... I thought it was sitting down so it wouldn't be very strenuous, but it is very strenuous. Because my body feels it's moved a lot, my mind feels calm as well. It's made an enormous difference for people on all kinds of levels, with all kinds of perhaps physical restrictions on how they can move.
How do the classes combine exercise with social connection?
The sessions serve a dual purpose beyond physical activity, addressing isolation that can develop as people age. Jackie Turner, one of the volunteer session leaders, highlighted the social dimension of the programme:
It's just a fun environment and you can see that people enjoy it because it's a different way of exercising. It's also about the friendships and the social aspects as well because as you get older, sometimes the social aspects of your life fall away a little bit.
Many of the Laugh, Move & Groove classes are now fully booked, reflecting strong demand for accessible fitness options in the community.
What recognition has the group received?
Laugh, Move & Groove has been shortlisted for a regional community award. According to the official awards announcement, the organisation is among four finalists selected for the Make a Difference Awards in Jersey. The other shortlisted nominees include Strive Academy, Friends of Africa Jersey, and Suzie Mahe, reflecting the breadth of community work being recognised across physiotherapy, inclusion, and domestic abuse support alongside older people's wellbeing initiatives.
The Make a Difference Awards are part of a BBC-wide scheme that celebrates local community heroes across the United Kingdom. A regional judge will select the winner from the shortlisted finalists according to the programme's established criteria.
When will the winner be announced?
The Jersey winner will be announced on 18 September, determining which of the four finalists receives the award for their contribution to community wellbeing.
