City of Surrey online videos boost mental and physical health for all ages

WHILE recreation centres and libraries across Surrey are closed to limit the spread of COVID-19, city staff have found a way to connect with residents online to ensure physical and mental health exercises are available for families at home during the pandemic.

“We have called on our residents to physically distance to limit the spread of COVID-19, and I want to personally recognize our community for rising to this challenge,” said Surrey Mayor Doug McCallum. “While we all follow the measures put in place, it is important that we continue to connect with each other. The videos we have launched ensure Surrey families have access to physical and mental exercises at home, and I’m pleased they have been so well received over the past four weeks.”

Led by certified instructors, the free fitness classes offer a range of exercises that do not require professional equipment, including yoga and body sculpt.  For seniors, light stretching and low impact classes are available.    

Surrey Libraries is offering virtual story times and singalongs for children to enjoy from home, featuring familiar librarians across the City. The popular Treehouse Storytime at Redwood Forrest is also available online, so families can connect with nature and enjoy craft making, puppets and songs.  Parks staff take children on an educational walk through the forest, offering virtual ways to connect with nature from home. 

“It is more important than ever that we continue to take care of our physical and mental well-being,” added McCallum. “In the coming weeks we will continue to add more videos for residents, and I invite you to check back often to make full use of the recreational, cultural and library services available.”

City of Surrey online classes can be found here