What is MAGIC?

MAGIC stands for Movement and Games in Chairs and is aimed at people with long term health conditions and for those with mobility challenges.  MAGIC is ideal for people who are living independently and provides opportunities for people to socialise and have fun!

MAGIC has gone from strength to strength with Community Plus and has over 2600 people taking part in the sessions every quarter! Community centres, care homes, hospital wards, fire stations are now running MAGIC sessions across Kirklees thanks to their dedication and support to volunteers and professionals.

Meet Noreen

One of the many MAGIC volunteers across Kirklees is Noreen, who has been supporting the MAGIC session at Cleckheaton Town Hall for a short while after originally taking part in the session itself.

Noreen moved to Cleckheaton around 4 years ago to be nearer family after struggling with her health. When she first moved she didn’t know anyone in the area other than her son. Then came news of the National lockdown due to Covid, so this further compounded her feelings of  isolation. As restrictions began to lift she noticed a post on Facebook advertising a MAGIC class at Cleckheaton Fire Station.  At this point Noreen was low in confidence and it took her a lot of strength to go to the session alone not knowing anyone.

You’re never too old

She absolutely loved her first class and the group were so welcoming, she instantly made new friends and felt at ease in the class. After attending the class for a number of months she started to get involved in assisting the volunteers and found herself a role of helping to make the hot drinks at the end of the class and assisting in the delivery.

After saying she was ‘too old to learn’ to take part in training she attended the MAGIC training in May 2023 at the John Smiths Stadium.  She really enjoyed the training which has now enabled her to lead part of the session and this has really improved her confidence. The MAGIC group is very important to Noreen, she loves helping and listening to the people who attend the group.

The benefits of MAGIC

MAGIC is a great form of exercise, and evidence shows that regular exercise can help:

  • Improve circulation
  • Lower blood pressure
  • Reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke
  • Reduce the risk of cancer
  • Help manage to weight and reduce the risk of Type II diabetes
  • Boost your immune system
  • Improve your mood
  • Get a better night’s sleep
  • Reduce stress and anxiety
  • Increase your energy
  • Help you to cope during difficult times
  • Improve your confidence and self-esteem
  • Reduce your risk of depression
  • Reduce loneliness and meet new friends

Find a MAGIC session.