COVID-19 restrictions have impacted on recreation opportunities for older people and people with disability. The easing of restrictions gives many people new opportunities to be active, and we encourage the leisure and recreation sectors to support older people and people with disability to create new habits, and to revive pre-lockdown connections.

Belgravia Foundation works diligently to partner and collaborate with leading organisation to foster improved participation in leisure by ALL, so no one misses out! Among these partners is the Institute for Musculoskeletal Health (IMH), and Belgravia Foundation endorses and supports the statement released by IMH to coincide with the easing of COVID restrictions in NSW and elsewhere:

Being physically active can keep people of all ages and abilities healthy and connected.
Lockdown has made it difficult for many people to stay active. We need to work together to support older people and those with disabilities to be active.

In keeping with its statement, on 12 October 2021 IMH hosted a ‘Staying active during and after lockdown’ webinar aimed at people aged 60 and over, and people with physical disability. The webinar is available on the IMH’s website, along with a number of shorter videos, and links to resources related to staying active.

IMH’s statement was endorsed by a number of high-profile organisations who share our interest in promoting physical activity. Belgravia Foundation is proud to be the only leisure sector-related organisation to endorse the statement. It was also endorsed by:

· Arthritis Australia

· Australasian Society for Physical Activity

· Australian and New Zealand Falls Prevention Society

· Australian and New Zealand Society for Geriatric Medicine

· Australian Health Promotion Association

· Australian Institute for Musculoskeletal Science

· Australian Physiotherapy Association

· Brain Injury Australia

· Centre of Research Excellence in the Prevention of Fall-related Injuries

· Cerebral Palsy Alliance

· Cerebral Palsy Sporting and Recreation Association NSW Inc

· COTA New South Wales