Libraries ACT offer a range of volunteer run learning and social groups at their branches. These include:

• Mah-jong
• Overeaters Anonymous
• Philosophy Group
• Sahaja Yoga Meditation
• Knit and Talk

Please visit the website for more information.

Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health Service (WNAHS) run a healthy weight program specifically tailored to the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community which focuses on focuses on achieving and maintaining a healthy weight through prevention, health promotion and support.

Please visit the website or contact WNAHS on (02) 6284 6222.

vitalyoga offer Gentle Yoga Recovery classes for people recovering from serious illness, joint replacement or cancer treatment.

Please visit the website or contact vitalyoga on 0427 810 335 and pam [at] vitalyoga.com.au for more information.

The Lung Foundation Australia run a six to eight week pulmonary rehabilitation exercise and education program for people living with chronic lung disease which teaches participants the skills needed to exercise safely and manage breathlessness.

Please visit the website or contact the Lung Foundation Australia on (02) 6244 2154 for more information.

The Belconnen Arts Centre (BAC) ‘Dance for Wellbeing’ program is supported by ACT Health and provides regular dance classes for ACT communities with Parkinson’s disease, Dementia, Multiple Sclerosis and other chronic conditions.

Their classes include:

• Ricochet (Dance for All), a weekly dance class at Belconnen and Uniting Amala Gordon designed for adults with physical challenges who want to keep their body and brain active and healthy, regardless of their mobility, skill or age
• Offbeat (Dance for People with Parkinson’s), a joint weekly dance program with Parkinson’s ACT specifically designed for people with Parkinson’s held in Belconnen and Greenway
• Vivacity! (Dance for People with Dementia), a joint weekly dance program with Dementia Australia for people living with Dementia and their carers held in Belconnen and Phillip

They also offer a Dance for Wellbeing online program which provides participants with video tutorials to dance at home.

Please visit the website or contact BAC on (02) 6173 3300 and philip.piggin [at] belconnenartscentre.com.au for more information.

CIT Fit and Well is fitness centre offering exercise equipment, personal training and fitness classes. They offer a range of fitness classes targeted at people with chronic illness. This includes:

• Heart Health, a gentle physical activity class for people who have not exercised in while
• Osteocise, a safe and effective exercise program for people in need of increasing the strength of their bones and muscles (particularly those over 50)
• Lungs in Action, a community-based maintenance exercise program for people with stable chronic lung conditions
• Functional Mobility, a class focused on flexibility and joint mobility

Please visit the website or contact CIT on (02) 6207 4309 for more information.

COTA ACT run a free Community Education Program which works to encourage and enable older people in the community to minimise risks to their health and wellbeing. The Program is based on a ‘Peer Education’ model and sessions are run by trained presenters over 50 who volunteer their time to talk to older people about healthy ageing.

The sessions are:

• Free of charge
• Delivered by fully trained volunteer Peer Educators
• Available across Canberra (some topics are available in NSW)
• Structured with a practical focus including discussion of simple strategies to deal with the issues raised
• Designed to be interactive – attendees are encouraged to share their own ideas and experiences / For groups small or large
• Designed to last for up to an hour

Please visit the website or contact COTA ACT on (02) 6282 3777 and communityed [at] cotaact.org.au for more information.

The North Belconnen Day Centre (NBDC) meet in the Sunroom at North Belconnen Uniting Church in Melba with specially designed facilities for the Centre, including a well-equipped kitchen and disabled toilet.

They run a range of engaging mental, social and physical activities including:

• Exercises
• Ball games
• Crafts
• Bingo
• Music
• Outings to a variety of places

Transport to and from the Centre is also available.

Please visit the website or contact the NBDC on (02) 6258 5784 and nbdc [at] iimetro.com.au for more information.

Epilepsy ACT offers a wide range of training to individuals, organisations and community groups in the ACT and surrounding areas. This includes:

• Workplace Training, which provides responsive information and education services to community organisations, health and welfare groups, businesses, education providers, students and any other group where a need is identified
• Community Education, in-house training to individuals who wish to gain a better understanding of epilepsy and seizure types as well as fist aid and epilepsy treatments
• Midazolam Community Education, a registered nurse run training session for organisations and individuals who work with people that are prescribed midazolam

Please visit the website or contact Epilepsy ACT on (02) 6287 4555 for more information.

The Sleep Apnoea Association ACT support group meets bi-monthly and provides guidance, ongoing information and advice to sufferers of sleep apnoea and similar sleep disorders. The meetings regularly include guest speakers on topics relevant to members.

Please visit the website or contact the Sleep Apnoea Association on (02) 6230 7800 and sleepact [at] yahoo.com.au for more information.