Active Suffolk Annual Report 2021:22 - Flipbook - Page 5
Project testimonials
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It was when they were both sign-posted to the First Strokes
Swimming pool in Ipswich that the pair first met, and their
friendship blossomed so much so that they even had a
Christmas dinner together! In addition to the friendship and
connection that formed, Julia told us:
Julia and Jean were both referred to the Active
Wellbeing service via health professionals
working within the South Rural Primary Care
Network.
Prior to the referral Julia aged 81 was inactive,
caring full time for her husband, unmotivated and
suffering with asthma, arthritis and leg pain.
Jean was finding it challenging to manage her
weight, had atrial fibrillation and she was recovery
from a knee injury.
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Going to the pool now gives me a few hours of my time
away from all the stresses of home, plus I feel more
relaxed, I am less fatigued, my sleep has improved, and I
have better mental health.
Jean also experienced many benefits,
she said:
I am doing brilliantly! Through being more active I have
lost lots of weight, and my arthritis is much better.
I am feeling great, plus I have built a lovely friendship with
Julia.
Since the health & wellbeing event in Shotley, two residents are now doing daily
short walks together. One is making changes to their diet and using the step
counter to improve daily exercise and two others said they enjoyed doing the MOT
and were pleased with the results. It really was an excellent event.
‘‘
Gary from Shotley Open Spaces
After attending an
annual health check and
being diagnosed with
high blood pressure in
July 2021, Brian Davis
was referred to the
Active Wellbeing Service
by Dr Lewis at Needham
Market Country
Practice.
Not long after his initial appointment
he was diagnosed with prostate
cancer, but he continued to take on
advice and make positive changes to
his lifestyle.
When I was referred to the
Active Wellbeing Service I
wasn’t being as active as I should
have been. With the support of the
service, I started walking more,
doing gardening and I engaged in
online pelvic floor exercises with a
specialist instructor, which I still do
now 7 months on!
The service motivated me to set
my own goals. I took on a walking
challenge with my wife which I
started before my radiotherapy.
Although I couldn’t sustain the
same intensity once I began
suffering with side effects, I just
adapted and walked a little bit less until
I could build up again.
I felt a sense of achievement after each
walk, and I know I wouldn’t have been
active during this time without the
support and regular contact from the
service. Since being more active I am fit
enough to carry and run around with
my Great Niece and Nephew which
means the world to me!
Brian Davis, Active Wellbeing Client