Dinner and Dance
Ladies Dance and Dinner project
The Ladies Dance and Dine project, based in Ninefields at Waltham Abbey Leisure Centre, is an initiative designed to combat loneliness and isolation, improve confidence, and help attendees become more active.
The course consists of 45 minutes of dance and 45 minutes of snack making, using healthy ingredients such as sushi and energy balls. The course is free to attend and has been successful in creating a supportive community among participants.
The project was delivered by Making it Mindful for free, with funding from Find Your Active given to Epping Forest District Council, ensuring that cost was not a barrier for participants.
Loneliness, social isolation, lack of confidence, and physical inactivity are significant barriers for females in the community, therefore the project aimed to address these issues by providing a safe and supportive environment for women to engage in physical activity and socialise.
The concept originated from the voices of residents and was developed through various forums established by the Epping Forest District Council as part of their place-based working approach. This has enabled the delivery of a fantastic project that combines movement and accessible food, fostering both physical and mental wellbeing. The connections formed within the group extend beyond structured sessions. This community-driven initiative prioritises resident voices, ensuring they are heard in various forms and reflecting their desires for a supportive and connected community.Emma Alderman, Active Essex Assistant Relationship Manager
Due to the project’s success, participants created their own WhatsApp group to support one another and meet up outside the sessions. The overprescribed sessions showed a clear demand for a combined dance and food activity in Ninefields.
