[T]he MP for Copeland has joined a group of young people in a Tai Chi session as part of an Egremont charity’s award’s giving ceremony.
Ran by Egremont Youth Partnership, Trudy Harrison MP went along to meet members of the Fusion and Beyond Group and present certificates following completion of a Tai Chi course.
Set up just over a year ago, the Fusion and Beyond Group is aimed at 16-30-year-olds and offers a range of opportunities and activities to young people with disabilities and those who require extra support.
The group is solely funded by local organisations including Cumbria County Council, Copeland Community Fund, Francis C Scott, Sellafield Ltd. Co-op and Egremont Town Council.
Trudy Harrison, MP said: “It was a pleasure to be invited along to meet with members of the Fusion and Beyond Group to learn more about what the sessions offer. Egremont Youth Partnership is an absolutely fantastic charity that offers young people with disabilities a place that they can meet new people, develop new skills and simply have a good time.
“I was honoured to present the group with certificates for completion of their Tai Chi course – it’s initiatives such as this that provide young people with the social activities that they may have ordinarily missed out on, especially in such a rural area like Copeland. I commend the efforts and commitment of those involved in making the group a huge success.”
Providing an informal space for young people to meet friends while also improving personal development opportunities, the charity also works to improve health and wellbeing by providing accessible services and removing barriers.
Youth Development Worker, Andrea Page, said: “The aim of the sessions which were carried out by Kaye Wayman, was to increase activity among the group and self-confidence. It was Trudy who was keen to see that the group enjoyed this extra activity.
“Taiji Qigong (Tai chi Chi Kung) 18 move sequence was learned over a six week period. The group also progressed to practicing Yoga so the sessions developed into Qi-Yoga postures and some young people were able to sit very comfortably in lotus positions: natural yogis
“The sessions were well attended, and all inclusive of abilities; these became a fun social activity with a focus on gentle exercise and respect. There were some very interesting meditation positions achieved by the young ladies and young men. Kaye expertly showed off all the moves, positions and routines and managed to encourage more young people to try out the exercises every week which was fantastic.”
The Fusion and Beyond Group takes place every Thursday between 7pm – 9pm at Egremont Youth Partnership in Chapel Street, Egremont. For more information please contact Andrea Page on 01946329642.
