Botcherby Community Association - Healthy U

Project Title: Healthy U

Funding Received: £4260 (Phase 4: 1 April 2022 - 31 March 2023)

Project Outline: Following a six month pilot project, Botcherby Community Centre applied for funding to support their new Healthy U Project in our Community Gym.

Botcherby is an area of high deprivation with many suffering hardship and health inequalities and as an organisation we work with many people with long term health conditions. We already employ a Health & Fitness coach, qualified as an Exercise on Referral Instructor. Our gym has been a benefit for people recovering from lockdown and covid restrictions.

Individuals accessing Exercise on Referral would be directed to our service by health professionals such as Social Prescribers, Neuro and Physiotherapists, Stroke Rehab and COPD rehab clinics, as well as GP’s. Each person would be assessed, and a tailored physical activity programme developed to suit their specific needs. Progress would be monitored, and encouragement and support given to help develop and maintain an active and healthy lifestyle. This new physical activity programme would aim to reduce the inequalities experienced by people with long term health conditions, and to recover from Covid.  The programme will assist those looking to combat obesity, arthritis, hypertension, stroke, asthma/COPD, neurological conditions, low mobility and also mental illness. Key learning that we took from the initial pilot project (including client feedback) is that there is additional need for specific nutrition advice and support towards mental health which has helped shaped the new enhanced offer.  We hope to give people a ‘new lease of life’.

We would provide a 12-week referral program, which includes an initial, mid-point and final assessment. Realistic goals will be agreed, monitored, and reviewed throughout. Each participant is expected to attend at least 2 sessions per week chosen from our activity programme - Healthy U gym-based sessions (individual gym program), Healthy U circuit sessions and Walking Football (Dementia Friendly). Participants will have a home diary and be required to log activities.