EXERCISE sessions by With Music in Mind for elderly Cowbridge residents will restart this week, after a week off for essential staff training.

The musical organisation has not let the 'no singing, no shouting, no chanting' rule stop it from bringing the otherwise isolated together.

In early November, With Music in Mind launched pilot exercise groups in Cowbridge and Barry.

Feedback has been so positive that With Music in Mind launched a third exercise group in Llantwit Major yesterday.

"Barry and Cowbridge did so well, so we asked if people would like a group in Llantwit, and we got a lot of calls in response," Dr Sarah Miles, managing director, told Nub News.

"We started running in Llantwit this week, which means we have three groups. Barry on a Thursday morning, Llantwit on Thursday afternoon and Friday morning in Cowbridge.

"The groups have been 8-10 people, which is perfect numbers so that everyone can space out and no one feels there's any risk. It's going really well," she said.

After some gentle exercises, the groups have been able to socialise while adhering to Coronavirus restrictions.

"We're able to sit at a table afterwards, two metres apart, for drinks and socially distanced games like bingo and charades," said Dr Miles.

"It's bringing a bit of normality back and having a bit of fun. Letting your hair down without worrying about anything for a little while."

Trialling the exercise groups was originally planned for the new year, but the organisation decided to bring the scheme forward.

"So many of our members are at a point where they feel they need to get out and socialise and do something, even if it's not singing," said Dr Miles.

At Cowbridge Scout Hall, chairs are set out in a circle around the room, with two metres between them. Everyone will enter one at a time and wear a mask until they reach their seat. Then, the exercise class can begin.

During lockdown, lots of people have been out walking but not necessarily going to their usual classes, so it's about building that strength back up."

"It's just about getting people back together, seeing each other and talking. Socialising at a distance and keeping safe," said Dr Miles.

"The reason we set up singing groups in first place was to combat loneliness and social isolation and improve wellbeing."