Sport Northern Ireland: Creating Opportunities has provided £5,000 of match funding
Kaizen Community: Active Elders Programme
Magherafelt, Mid Ulster, United Kingdom
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Your donation unlocks match funding
Aim: Help us launch a 16-week sports programme for over-65s in Castledawson! Support Kaizen Community & Sport NI will match your donation!
Who are we?
Kaizen community is based in Castledawson. We are a constituted group. We support disadvantaged groups living in Castledaswon and across Mid Ulster, including older people, persons with disabilities, and younger people experiencing social, economic, or health-related challenges.
Our work focuses on improving physical and mental wellbeing, increasing access to inclusive programmes, and reducing isolation through community-based initiatives. By delivering tailored support, activities, and opportunities for engagement, we aim to enhance quality of life, promote social connection, and empower individuals to participate more fully in their communities. Our group is committed to addressing inequalities and creating positive, measurable change for those most at risk of being left behind.
Why are we crowdfunding?
We are launching a brand-new 16-week Fitness, Health and Wellness Programme for older people aged 65 and over in Castledawson this summer – and we need your support to make it happen.
Our project will support 20 older people 2 hours per week from June.
Our Active Elders programme is designed to level the playing field by helping older adults improve their physical health, boost mental wellbeing, and reduce social isolation through fun, welcoming taster group sessions. Each week will include low-impact fitness classes, strength and balance exercises, and expert-led workshops covering topics like healthy eating, exercise for stress management, and overall wellbeing
It’s not just about exercise – it’s about creating opportunities to build confidence, foster a stronger connection to fitness and health, and strengthen our Castledawson community through physical activity.
We will also provide one-to-one support and guidance regarding fitness and physical activity to ensure every participant feels safe, supported and motivated. Whether someone is already active or just getting started, we’ll meet them where they are and help them go further.
This programme directly aligns with Sport NI’s “Creating Opportunities” fund – by tackling inequalities, improving mental health through physical activity, and reaching people who are often left behind when it comes to sport, fitness and physical activity.
Our project is about tackling rural inequality. The programme focuses on older adults, a group often underrepresented in physical activity and sport. By providing accessible, inclusive, and age-appropriate sessions, we are removing barriers and ensuring everyone, regardless of age or ability, has the opportunity to engage in regular physical activity.
Our programme is about improving Mental Health Through Sport. Through weekly group fitness classes and sports focused wellbeing workshops, our programme supports mental wellbeing by reducing loneliness, boosting mood, and helping participants manage stress through movement and mindfulness.
Our project is about reaching Under-Served Communities. Castledawson is a rural area where services for older people are limited. By delivering this programme locally, we are bringing support to where it’s needed most, increasing access to sport and wellness opportunities.
Our project is about rreating Social Connection Through Physical Activity. Beyond fitness, our sessions focus on building confidence, friendships, and community within a fitness enviornment– helping participants feel more connected and supported.
How we’ll spend the money raised
16 week indoor facility hire in Castledawson@ £30 per hour 4 hour per week x 16 weeks= £1920
2 x Specialised Coaches to deliver the project= £35 per hour, 4 hours per week each (planning 2 hours delivery 2 hours) x 16 weeks= £4480
Marketing / Advertising @ £500 (online advertising & video/photo media).
Refreshment Budget (fruit and drink) for all sessions (20 participants)= £640
Total= £7540
Project Specific Equipment @ 2460 as follows:
Storage Rack for Equipment 2 x £175 each = £350
Slam ball 9kg x 4 £24.99 each £100
Slam ball 12kg x 4 £28.99 each £115.96
3 in 1 Soft Plyo Jump Box x 3 £229 = £687
15kg barbells x 3 £154.99 each = £619.96
100kg GripX Bumper Weight Plates x 2 £295 = £590
Community impact
Our group supports the wider Castledawson community by promoting health, wellbeing, and connection for people of all ages. While sport is a core focus, our programmes also address isolation, mental health, and community cohesion.
We work closely with local partners to ensure our services are inclusive, accessible, and responsive to community needs. By delivering holistic programmes, we help improve physical health, strengthen community ties, and provide vital support to those who may feel left behind.
How you can play your part
There are four simple ways to help us reach our target, and make this project a reality.
1. Make a pledge. Don’t delay if you’re going to support us because momentum is key to our success!
2. Spread the word. Share our project on your social media pages and tell the world to get behind us! The more people we reach, the more support we will get.
3. Offer rewards. Get involved if you are a local business by donating things we can offer to our supporters. We will give you a shout out!
4. Fundraise for us. If you want to run your own fundraiser – maybe a sponsored activity or similar – use the 'contact project' button at the top of our page to let us know. Setting up your own page only takes a few minutes and you won’t need any bank details. Just a fun idea!
Funding method
Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 21st July 2025 at 2:15pm