Everyone is welcome at a new exercise and wellbeing club in Watford, run by local home care provider Walfinch – and it's free of charge.

The Walfinch Thrive Club was opened on 12 January at St Mary's Church, Watford, by Saumya Mishra, owner of Walfinch home care Watford and Hemel Hempstead, with guests Peter Taylor, the Mayor of Watford and Parveen Rani, former Deputy Mayor of Hertsmere.  Saumya says: “We are offering seated exercise classes led by local mobility specialist Georgina-Kate Laird, who is already well-known for her activities classes at dementia clubs and memory cafes.”

The sessions will run every second Monday in the month, from 11.30am to 12.30pm and are open to everyone, including people who receive care, their friends, relatives and carers, and anyone in the area.

“They will also offer refreshments and a chance to meet others - important in maintaining  health and wellbeing, especially in later life,” says Saumya.

The Walfinch Thrive Initiative

Saumya launched Walfinch Watford and Hemel Hempstead home care in December, and is already servicing local care clients.

“We stand out as a care provider because instead of just helping our care clients survive, we want to help them thrive, by improving their physical health and general wellbeing,” she says.

Anyone who books an hour or more of care is offered at least ten minutes of activity, which can be anything from gardening, joining in with their carer to do home exercise videos made by Walfinch Chief Executive Amrit Dhaliwal, or getting out to local social venues.

Saumya balances her Walfinch home care business around her wider entrepreneurial commitments, while also being a mother of two. “You can combine business and family. It teaches you resilience, patience, time management and how to prioritise – useful in any business, but especially care,” she says.

Her business expertise combines with the care skills of her Registered Manager Lois Buckles, who has over 20 years of experience in health and social care, plus specialist expertise in dementia and end-of-life care, medication and moving and handling, and is a certified care staff trainer.

How the Walfinch franchise helps

Saumya decided to add a care business based on her experience as a care volunteer. She says: “Volunteering showed me that care is very satisfying work. Walfinch is a franchise, which makes it easier to get into the care business, aided by their extensive care sector experience and team of supportive experts.”

Saumya adds: “I find care is stress-busting. Older people tell you stories about their lives and when you say something is new to you, they break into big smiles.

“In just a couple of months of real-life experience with clients I have seen good results before my eyes,” says Saumya. She has already earned a five-star review from a grateful client.