Local Leisure group changing people’s lives

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.

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.