Lambeth Council for Patients Referred by GPs

2008 - 2016: South London T’ai Chi run a course for Lambeth Council for patients referred by GPs. This initiative was part of Lambeth Council’s Healthy Lifestyles GP Referral Scheme: All movements were carefully chosen to cater for people with medical conditions.

“It has been a real pleasure working with you over the years, you have been extremely professional and caring and have provided excellent sessions that were engaging, motivational and inspiring. Many of your clients have commented on how much they enjoyed and valued what taught them and I know they will agree that this will be a huge loss to our programme.” Marcia Dillon, Healthy Lifestyles Manager, March 2016

Taichi at Duchesne House, 2008 - 2018

“Our elderly sisters and their associates participated for an hour on a weekly basis. They look forward to both the physical activity that was adapted to their varying disabilities and energy levels, but also the social stimulation provided by the group relationships that developed through the tea and cake afterwards.

Hamid was sensitive to both the elderly religious background as well as the care homes function needs, complying with CQC requirements for DBS checks. Our GP was very happy this kind of opportunity was being offered to patients.

We appreciated his concern for each and every one in his group, as well as the flexibility of his sessions at short notice due to our refurbishment or personal needs.

Personally, I am very grateful for his service and contribution to Duchesne Community life and wish him every future happiness”. Julie Murrin - Registered Care Manager, 16 Jan 2019

Sister Amy - 100 years

‘One of my recollections of Hamid was that he was always very welcoming. He took interest in his pupils; he always wanted the very best for us. It was obvious he must have studied the right approach to keeping fit for the elderly. He took into consideration our advanced age without adhering to it too much. He always gave the impression of being glad to be there with us’.

Sister Monica - 88 years

‘I had the privilege of following the Tai Chi sessions given by Hamid for many years. From the start, not only did he show his skills but more importantly, to adapt his material to a group of elderly nuns. He ended up calling us ‘his nuns’! To our delight, some people from outside the convent joined the class. We all valued his friendly manner and his humour, alongside of course his skill as teacher of Tai Chi. The fact that he adapted so admirably to the age and ability level of his class was outstanding. The highlight of each session was what he called ’Schabazi’, (This spelling may be incorrect) - 17 continuous gentle movements that we all found very satisfying. We all owe a real debt of gratitude to Hamid.’

South London Taichi: It is called ShiBaShi and it is 18 Movements.

Sister Lorna

“I joined Hamid’s 11.30 am Thursday group in Battersea in 2014 and tai chi has become an important part of my life. Hamid is always welcoming and encouraging to new members; he is an excellent teacher, always willing to explain, and he has a good sense of humour. The levels of ability and skill of group members vary, but the atmosphere is non-competitive, the emphasis being on each person developing to the best of their ability, and students help one another. Hamid emphasises the importance of practising at home if we want to become more proficient in tai chi. He varies the ways of warming up and the organisation of the class so that students are motivated, engaged and encouraged to learn. He is very patient and has a concern for each member of the class. I am very grateful for Hamid’s professionalism, skill and kindness”.