'My world changed in seconds' - how this York fitness scheme is changing lives
How Healthwise scheme in York changes lives for the better
HEALTHWISE is groundbreaking programme in York helping residents manage chronic conditions and improve their quality of life through the power of physical activity.
Managed by GLL (Greenwich Leisure Limited), a charitable social enterprise that operates Better leisure centres across the city, it offers a lifeline for individuals living with long-term medical conditions.
The scheme is available at Energise Leisure Centre in Acomb; York Leisure Centre at Monks Cross; Burnholme Sports Centre, and Yearsley Pool, where a team of highly qualified exercise referral specialists deliver tailored support.
Since its launch in April 2018, the Healthwise programme has supported more than 6,000 local residents, helping them manage a wide range of conditions such as high blood pressure, obesity, asthma, anxiety, depression and musculoskeletal disorders.
Better, York Leisure Centre at the Community Stadium complex.
On average, 105 new referrals are received monthly, with 1,385 active members currently participating and 182 individuals awaiting their initial consultations. Remarkably, 78 per cent of participants complete the 12-week course, demonstrating its effectiveness and appeal.
Healthwise is designed for individuals who require specialist support to manage their health. Referrals are made by healthcare professionals such as GPs and physiotherapists.
The programme begins with an initial consultation, during which participants undergo assessments to determine their needs. Once enrolled, individuals embark on a 12-week prescribed exercise programme featuring a wide variety of classes, including:
• Supervised gym sessions
• Aqua health
• Pilates
• Chair-based exercises
• Circuit training
• COPD, cardiac and cancer-specific sessions
Participants are monitored throughout the programme, with regular reviews and motivational support to help them achieve their goals.
The cost of the 12-week programme is £25 per month (for unlimited access to group sessions/leisure centre facilities) or £5 per (gym/exercise) session on a pay-as-you-go basis. Following the initial 12 weeks, participants can continue to benefit from the Healthwise programme reduced membership for a further 21 months.
Follow-up assessments are available at six and 12 months to ensure long-term progress and sustained benefits.
We asked four York residents who are using Healthwise for their verdicts:
Sally Hoskins, 68, from HeworthSally Hoskins getting fit. Photos supplied Sally has lost over five stone since joining the weight management programme in April 2022. Trouble with her knee during the pandemic prompted Sally to embark on a fitness regime to lose weight and improve her health. While waiting for a knee replacement operation, she decided to join her local Better leisure centre at Burnholme Sports Centre and was invited to sign up to the 12-week programme, learning about nutrition and health and taking part in chair Pilates. She returned to the gym following her operation to support her recovery and still attends regularly.
Sally said: 'The team at Better are incredibly welcoming and supportive. Opening up and talking about health issues, weight loss and exercise was a very personal journey for me but Jo White, who is the Healthwise referral facilitator, couldn't have been more helpful. She's encouraging in a subtle and understated way that really inspires and motivates. She's very approachable – if I need to ask for advice, I know I can see her after a class or call. She's also a proficient exercise instructor, offering different options to meet a range of fitness levels. The classes I attend are well supported so I've got to meet a lot of new people, and my mobility is now back to what it was pre-Covid.'
Stuart Rawlings, 63, from HuntingtonHealthwise participant Stuart Rawlings at York Leisure Centre. Photos supplied Stuart was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2022 at the age of 61. Stuart is MD at York Survey Supply Centre and was the first person in York with Parkinson's to join the Healthwise programme.
Reluctant to take medication, he began a fitness programme to manage his symptoms and, so far, still doesn't need to take drugs. He has increased his strength, maintained movement, lost fat and gained confidence which he claims has improved his quality of life.
Stuart said: 'When I received my diagnosis, my world changed in seconds. I immediately started thinking of chair lifts, ramps, giving up work and the impact it was going to have on my family.
'With research, I realised I had a choice to make – let it take over or learn to live with it. It's not a life sentence in that it doesn't alter your life expectancy, but if not managed, it can affect your quality of life. And of course, health professionals were promoting the benefits of exercise, so it was make or break for me. Despite being extremely anxious, as I'd never stepped foot in a gym previously and anxiety is a symptom of Parkinson's, I visited York Leisure Centre and the conversation quickly turned to the Healthwise programme.
"Before I knew it, I was signed up and attended my interview, or rather 'chat', with Jason and Josh. To say they were upbeat and positive was an understatement and I was so impressed that they had a good grasp of my condition – it put me at ease and made me feel relaxed.
"Following my induction and training programme, I began with two supervised gym sessions each week, under the guidance of Josh and the team, but quickly moved to times that better suited my work pattern. Regular meetings improved my confidence, and I added Aqua Health and Yoga to my routine.
"By the end of the 12-week programme, I was actually enjoying the gym, doing five sessions each week and had made steady progress, but unnecessarily slightly concerned that the support would end. 'There's no sudden end to this mate – we are with you all the way' were my takeaway words from my final assessment. Exercise is now part of my life, but without the support of the Healthwise team, I'm not sure it would have been.'
Libbie, 29, AcombLibbie taking part in the Yorkshire 10 mile run in York in October 2024 and with her medal. Photos supplied
Libbie had previously enjoyed cycling and running. But over recent years, her severe asthma had prevented her from doing any exercise which had a negative impact on her mental health and wellbeing. Her GP suggested she join the Healthwise programme 18 months ago.
Having never used a gym previously as she felt anxious and intimidated, she now uses the gym twice a week and swims, gaining confidence and improving her fitness.
She recently completed the York ten-mile run and has signed up for the Manchester Marathon to raise money for Asthma and Lung UK.
Libbie said: 'Kelly McTighe at Energise supported me on the Healthwise programme. She's absolutely bonkers but brilliant! I had the preconceived notion that gyms were places for macho men lifting super heavy weights, not people like me. I'd spent so long thinking that I couldn't do the gym because of my poor health.
"But from the moment I met Kelly, she gave me the self-belief that made me feel actually, yes – I can do this. When she introduced me to the equipment and showed me how it all works, she normalised it all so that I didn't feel intimidated.
"Naturally, my first few sessions were a little scary, but it was all in my head. I just kept telling myself to crack on. I now have the confidence to use the whole gym thanks to Kelly. She always asks how I'm doing when I bump into her and still takes an interest in my achievements.'
Jane Metcalfe, from HeworthJane Metcalfe in Torridon in June 2018 on her first mountain since treatment. Image supplied (Image: Supplied) In December 2014, Jane Metcalfe and her long-term partner decided to get married. Jane had recently lost some close members of her family, and her partner's brother had been diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer a few months earlier. The date was set for Valentine's Day and the venue – Windsor Guildhall.
They had just six weeks to plan the wedding. During that time, Jane was called back for further tests following a routine smear and was diagnosed with stage 3 ovarian cancer, two days after the wedding. She spent her 'honeymoon' in the oncology unit in York Hospital.
Jane underwent chemotherapy treatment ahead of major surgery. In 2017, she decided to return to exercise and got a referral from York Against Cancer. She is one of the longest standing members of the group and regularly attends sessions. Jane's treatment continues and her condition was re-classed as stage 4 in 2021.
Jane said: 'Prior to my diagnosis, I'd always been mindful of keeping fit and active and did so through yoga, walking and my love of gardening.
"Cancer treatment is gruelling and takes months out of your life. You have to be mentally and physically strong so that you don't lose what life you have outside of the treatment.
"Joining the programme has helped me achieve that and I've been very fortunate as I generally don't suffer from symptoms between treatment schedules.
"Anyone can go to a gym but being part of this supportive group is so special. It provides discipline, routine and structure to my week. We're on a journey together and it's a group endeavour under the leadership of the incredible instructors – Jason and Josh.
"My loyalty to the group as well as to Jason and Josh who put in so much effort and energy into running the sessions, spurs me on. I really do feel part of a community who've bonded over shared interests. It gives me focus and I've been fortunate to meet some wonderful comrades who are in the same predicament. Facing the future surrounded by people who are going through similar experiences really does help.
"I'm a firm believer that one of the reasons I've handled chemotherapy so well is down to being fit and healthy so can't advocate the benefits of exercise enough."Individuals interested in the scheme can visit their local Better leisure centre to speak with a member of the Healthwise team or contact one of their health professionals. For further details, please visit www.better.org.uk/leisure-centre/york/energise/healthwise-energise or email healthwiseyork@gll.org
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