The Story of Heston Wellness Centre
In the heart of Heston, something remarkable is happening. Every week, hundreds of local residents, grandparents, retirees, and those living with chronic health conditions, gather to breathe, move, and connect. This is the Heston Wellness Centre (HWC), and we are on a mission to prove that health and happiness have no age limit.
Who We Are
Heston Wellness Centre began with a simple observation: our local community, particularly our senior and South Asian residents, needed more than just standard fitness classes. They needed a space that understood their specific cultural, physical, and social needs.
Founded by Sefali Dhani, a wellness expert with over 20 years of experience, and supported by a board of dedicated professionals, including a retired barrister and law graduates, HWC has grown from a small group into a thriving community of nearly 300 members.
What We Do
We specialise in "functional wellness." This means we don't just exercise for the sake of it; we exercise to make daily life better, safer, and more enjoyable. Our core services include:
Tailored Yoga and Tai Chi: From Tai Chi sessions to our incredibly popular Chair Yoga, we adapt every movement to suit the mobility levels of our participants.
Specialist Health Programmes: We provide targeted support for falls prevention, arthritis management, and dementia-friendly exercise, often collaborating with partners like the Alzheimer’s Society.
Social Prescribing: We believe that the social aspect of classes is just as vital for health as the physical movement itself. We provide a lifeline for those who might otherwise spend their days in isolation.
How We Benefit the Heston Community
Our impact stretches far beyond the walls of the community hall. By supporting the residents of Heston, we are building a more resilient local area in three key ways:
1. Reducing the Burden on the NHS By focusing on Falls Prevention and cardiovascular health, we help our seniors stay independent in their own homes for longer. Every participant who feels steadier on their feet is one less person requiring emergency hospital care or long-term physiotherapy.
2. Tackling the Epidemic of Loneliness Loneliness is as harmful to health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. In our classes, which can see up to 60 people in a single session, isolation doesn't stand a chance. We create a support network where neighbours look out for neighbours.
3. Promoting Cultural Health Equity Through our work with local groups, we provide culturally sensitive environments where everyone feels comfortable and respected. We bridge the gap in health inequalities, ensuring that wellness is accessible to all, regardless of background.
Our Commitment to You
As we move towards becoming a Registered Charity, our commitment to Heston remains unchanged. Thanks to the oversight of our independent trustees and the dedication of our volunteers, we keep our classes affordable, just £1 per session, ensuring that financial barriers never stand in the way of health.
Join the Movement
Whether you are a resident looking to improve your flexibility, a family member worried about an elderly relative’s isolation, or a local organisation looking to partner with us, we invite you to be part of our story.
Heston Wellness Centre isn't just a place to exercise; it’s where Heston comes together to thrive.
