A DONATION of $500 to the Beechworth Health Service (BHS) by a local exercise group is set to help age care residents with new activities.

Beechworth Exercise and Activity’s (BEAT) president Helen Kenny presented the cheque to BHS chief executive Sharon Walsh and cinical service director Elizabeth Ibrom on Wednesday, 24 May at the Senior Citizens Centre.

The funds given have been given towards the purchase of sporting equipment and games for use in its soon-to be new communal activity centre as well as outdoor garden spaces.

Grateful for the donation, Ms Walsh said the health service had canvassed residents for what they would like.

“They’re keen to have more equipment like indoor croquet, some modified table tennis and other activities,” she said.

She said activities will be undertaken in the auditorium once the new building is completed as well as in existing residential aged care facility spaces.

“BEAT will be happy to bring in some trainers for us as well do activities with them in the future," she said.

An excited Ms Walsh said this is integrating with community.

“We don't want to reinvent the wheel, and BEAT already provides their service to an older population as well," she said.

Ms Ibrom said activity officers and physiotherapist have compiled a list with a variety of activity-based items such as pop-up basket ball, a floater ball and foxtail ball set and geometric block sorter to benefit dementia clients.

Other items for health service’s clients include indoor croquet sets, indoor bowls, hooky sets, bean bag toss and flying disc golf.

Ms Kenny said BEAT makes regular donations to the community to assist various projects.

"This project is very worthwhile and a beneficial program for all Beechworth Health Service clients,” she said.