Local Leisure group changing people’s lives
An inspirational
local person with Cerebral Palsy (C.P.) has had her life turned around thanks
to South Downs Leisure’s community-based Exercise Referral Scheme, in
partnership with Worthing Wellbeing.
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| Francesca Leather |
Francesca Leather,
24, from Worthing, started the popular programme in June, 2015, at Splashpoint
Leisure Centre, Worthing, where she was personally supported and mentored by
Marie Pickering; Exercise Referral Coordinator, Personal Trainer and Fitness
Advisor for South Downs Leisure.
Lifelong C.P.
sufferer and wheelchair bound, Francesca has decreased mobility, co-ordination
and balance but despite her condition, maintains a career for the Care Quality
Commission inspecting residential care homes. She’s refused to let her
condition hold her back, with tenacity and true spirit, Francesca said;
“I am a very
positive and motivated young woman and I like to explore the ability within my
disability! I have many goals and aspirations in life that includes improving
my health.”
Already
established for the leisure group, the Exercise Referral Scheme provides
wellbeing support for those most in need.
Marie, 38, from Worthing, a qualified Personal Trainer with South Downs
Leisure since 2003, creates personalised, tailor-made exercise programmes that
consider every individual’s needs, including medical conditions or ailments.
And thanks to its success, the scheme’s popularity has grown, having doubled to
over 200 clients within the last year. Marie said;
“It’s simple to
arrange, just ask your GP or health professional about the scheme, they will
assess you and create a ‘prescription to exercise’. This is your referral you
take to Worthing Leisure Centre or Splashpoint Leisure Centre to book an
appointment.”
Since Francesca
started sessions with Marie at Splashpoint Leisure Centre, she’s noticed
significant improvements to her overall health, mobility, physical and
emotional wellbeing. Inspired by her positivity, Marie said;
“Francesca never
lets her wheelchair be a barrier for using gym equipment and instead we find
ways to improvise, adapt and overcome all obstacle and her health has
benefitted immensely.”
Marie then added; “I
am very proud of the good work we do for the Exercise Referral Scheme, with
achievable personal benefits for every client. Typical exercise routines aren’t
always suitable, so a 1-to-1, personalised approach is required. Welcome extra
benefits, like confidence building and weightloss, have turned people’s lives
around; improving quality of life, reduced pain and increased wellbeing.”
South Downs
Leisure’s Chief Executive, Duncan Anderson, said;
“Strong
partnerships with local community groups are essential going forward, as well
as building on our core strengths and investing in our products, facilities and
initiative’s such as this, to meet the needs of our community. Marie and the
team have been instrumental behind the success of this scheme.”
For more
information about the Exercise Referral Scheme and all other South Downs
Leisure fitness and wellbeing activities, please visit www.southdownsleisure.co.uk/wellbeing or call 01903 905050.
