Maidenhead & Windsor

SMILE – the Windsor and Maidenhead borough’s exercise and activity programme for the over-50s – has been recognised for its excellence in a prestigious national award scheme.

The work of SMILE (So Much Improvement with a Little Exercise) was shortlisted, and reached the final, of the Municipal Journal (MJ) Local Government Achievement Awards, which were presented at a recent ceremony hosted by Andrew Marr.

SMILE is a partnership between the Windsor and Maidenhead Royal Borough’s leisure services team, together with public and voluntary organisations, which provides 40 weekly community-based exercise sessions to improve residents’ physical well-being, muscle strength, flexibility and balance.

As well as promoting a healthier lifestyle, SMILE aims to reduce the number of over-65s who are taken to hospital as a result of a fall.

The SMILE team was nominated for the award earlier in the year, and then had to put together information about all the services they offer, including exercise sessions, stroke rehabilitation programmes, back care and smoking cessation classes, dietician support, walking clubs and social events.

Cllr John Story, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead adult services, said: “Congratulations to all the SMILE team whose hard work and dedication make this such a wonderful service for our residents.

“SMILE sessions are all about encouraging older people to take part in some very simple exercises which can have huge benefits for posture and flexibility – as well as being very sociable activities and great fun.”

Kevin Johnson, SMILE chairman, said he was really proud of the nomination and it had been a great morale boost for the whole team. He said: “We are winners every day because we see the difference SMILE’s work makes to the 750 residents who use it, but it is great this has been recognised externally.

“I’m delighted for all our staff and volunteers – and for the users who are always grateful for everything we do.

”We received a very positive letter from the awards ceremony organisers and hope to be taking part again next year.”

For more details about SMILE, call 01628 777003 or email smile@rbwm.gov.uk

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead