Make a Referral Make a Referral

Community Strength and Balance




Age Concern Auckland is the lead agency for Community Strength and Balance classes across Counties Manukau. Our role is to coordinate and grow access to classes offered in Counties Manukau.

It is proven that people 65+ years can significantly reduce their risk of falling by doing regular specific exercises that build the strength and balance of their legs and core (stomach, lower back, and hips). Strength and Balance classes are led by instructors trained to assist people 65 years and older in the correct exercises to build strength and balance and help older people improve their balance, leg strength, flexibility, general fitness and well-being.



All our classes meet the Live Stronger for Longer nine clinical assessment criteria for community group strength and balance, or in-home exercise strength and balance programmes.



Each year across New Zealand, 1 in 3 people aged 65 and over will fall. For people aged 80 and over, the risk increases to 1 in every 2 people. A fall can reduce an older person’s confidence, independence and general wellbeing.

 Are you at risk of falling?

You may be at risk of falling if:

  1. You have slipped, tripped or fallen in the last year
  2. You cannot get out of a chair without using your hands
  3. You have avoided activities because you are afraid you might lose your balance or fall
  4. You receive assistance at home with showering, dressing, or other personal cares

Check if you’re at risk of falling

If you are at risk, there are things you can do to help!

  • Exercise at home – ask your doctor or nurse for information on exercises you can do at your own pace to help you with your balance and strength
  • Join a community based Community Strength and Balance class
  • Talk to your Doctor, Nurse or Pharmacist about the medicines you are taking and if any may be increasing your risk of falling

All Community Strength and Balance Classes in Counties Manukau region can be found on the
Live Stronger for Longer webpage here.

Make sure to click the
“Auckland – Counties Manukau”
tab in the drop down menu and our three regions will appear.

If the website does not have all the information you require, please call 
0800 262 368 
and the Community Central team
will be able to help.

For more specific information please email Bethanc@accm.org.nz



Three levels of classes are offered and we will work to ensure that you are placed in a class suited to your mobility and ability:

  • Level 1 - Limited Mobility - use of a walking aid, restricted activity and/or does not engage in regular physical activity (eg gardening, walking)
  • Level 2 - Reasonable Mobility – does not use a walking aid and/or currently engaging in some physical activity
  • Level 3 - Full Mobility – good level of fitness and wanting to maintain this, and confident in participating


“I have had many falls, due to lack of balance and wasting of, muscles. Since I have been attending these classes I am slowly increasing strength in my muscles. I am also learning to take more care, and have increased my awareness of how to save myself from falling and how best to get myself up if I do fall. The exercises we do at chair yoga are smooth and comfortable and the chair means we can feel safe.”

Beth Regular at Supple Seniors


Community Strenth and Balance Classes

Watch our short video about our Community Strength and Balance Classes and how they can benefit you.

The value of Community Strength and Balance Classes

Listen to our Community Strength and Balance Coordinator, Bethan Collings talk live on PMN Tonga about the value of Community Strength and Balance exercises.


Information for exercise providers

If you are an exercise provider who would like to become accredited to provide Community Strength and Balance classes, please click the link below for more information.

More information on becoming an accredited CS & B Provider More information on becoming an accredited CS & B Provider



Subscribe to our newsletter

SUBSCRIBE SUBSCRIBE