logo
'More than a gym': Dorset fitness centre opens new wellbeing hub

'More than a gym': Dorset fitness centre opens new wellbeing hub

Yahoo09-07-2025
A Dorset fitness centre has opened a new wellbeing hub.
RiversMeet Active in Gillingham launched the hub this month.
The hub aims to help residents with their physical, mental and social health needs.
It is "more than a gym" and is a "vital community resource for Gillingham and beyond, promoting health, connection and support".
Fitness centre expands to offer mental health and social support services (Image: Supplied) The centre is integrated with the GP referral programme and offers low-impact classes for people recovering from illness or injury, living with long-term health conditions, or seeking to improve their overall wellbeing.
Dorset Mind, a self-funded charity, is at the hub every Monday to offer a mental health drop-in service.
In the future, the hub plans to offer physiotherapy, sports massages, counselling, nutrition groups, anxiety and parent support sessions and discreet contraception services for students.
Jake, the general manager at RiversMeet Active, said: "We are very excited to be building on this impressive scheme whilst working in partnership with vital local resources.
"We are on a mission to improve the health of our community, watch this space."
The hub has been set up with the help of the Dextra Group, which hopes the hub will support its employees and the wider community, providing an accessible wellbeing resource for all.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

'Miracle' five years since twins' Covid coma birth
'Miracle' five years since twins' Covid coma birth

Yahoo

time4 hours ago

  • Yahoo

'Miracle' five years since twins' Covid coma birth

A doctor whose twins were delivered prematurely while she was in a coma says the five years since have been like a series of "miracles unfolding". Dr Perpetual Uke, a rheumatology consultant at Birmingham City Hospital, was placed into an induced coma after catching Covid-19 before her twins were delivered by Caesarean section at 26 weeks on 10 April 2020. She came around 16 days later, convinced her twins were dead, before hospital staff told her they were alive. The twins turned five years old in April and both have learned to walk and talk, which Dr Uke said was something she "cherished". "I just hope for the best because everything about it has been miracles unfolding, just like how you turn the pages of your book," she said. Dr Uke said she was at high-risk of becoming seriously ill with Covid but continued to work during the pandemic because she felt a duty of care to her patients. After catching the disease, Dr Uke was admitted to the hospital's critical care unit, placed on a ventilator and put in an induced coma to help her recover. When they were born, her daughter weighed just 770g (27oz) while her brother, weighed 850g (30oz). Dr Uke's husband Matthew said he had conflicting emotions when his children were born. "If the twins are there - where is my wife? Because by then, it was not certain she was going to come out of her coma," he said. "Am I going to have to care for the twins alone? It was a very difficult moment." Dr Uke recalled the "surreal" experience of waking and how she found it difficult to believe her children were alive, until she saw them for the first time. Despite what her husband described as the "grind" of the past five years, Dr Uke said her outlook had become more positive. "We are very glad, happy and joyous because of what they've achieved and are going to achieve in the future," she said. Mr Uke described 2020 as like "being in a dark moment" and 2025 was "like being in the sunshine". "We are very happy and we're very thankful to the NHS, to all the people who cared for them and that continue to care for them," he said. "They're wonderful. Their dedication and passion are off the charts. All the people who work in the NHS - they are special." Dr Uke has since written a book about the family's story called Covid Coma to Twin Birth: Threads of Miracles, which she hoped would help others going through difficult times. "If you have ever, in any situation in your life, felt the weight of the unknown in a difficult moment, just hold on to hope," she said. Follow BBC Birmingham on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram. More on this story Pregnant doctor felt 'duty of care' during pandemic Twins born to Covid-19 coma patient turn one Twins born to Covid-19 patient in coma Related internet links Birmingham Women's Hospital

'Powerful story' of triple amputee shared at RAF Brize Norton event day
'Powerful story' of triple amputee shared at RAF Brize Norton event day

Yahoo

time6 hours ago

  • Yahoo

'Powerful story' of triple amputee shared at RAF Brize Norton event day

An event held at RAF Brize Norton heard from a triple amputee injured in the line of duty as he told his "powerful story". Mark Ormrod MBE, a veteran who lost both legs and an arm while serving as a Royal Marine in 2007 and who is now an athlete, author and motivational speaker, spoke at the Carterton base's Resilience Day hosted by the Tactical Medical Wing. His "powerful story of resilience" resonated with the team and encouraged reflection and conversation on how personnel can better support themselves and each other. READ MORE: Westgate Oxford man who 'fled on rooftop' charged and named Mr Ormrod said: "Today was not only a huge honour for me but it was also a bit of a full circle moment. "17 years after having my life saved in Afghanistan by the Medical Emergency Response Team I had the privilege of sharing my story with them. Mark Ormrod and Group Captain Charlotte Thompson at the resilience day event, RAF Brize Norton (Image: RAF Brize Norton / Paul Crouch) "What made it extra special was that one of the medics primarily responsible for saving my life Group Captain Charlie Thompson was able to be there to tell part of the story from her perspective. "The Veteran owned company I'm part of also got to delivery a resilience workshop to the team with many of the lesson born from the experiences and lessons we learned from leading and operating in combat." Help support trusted local news Sign up for a digital subscription now: As a digital subscriber you will get: Unlimited access to the Oxford Mail website Advert-light access Reader rewards Full access to our app The day also included a human performance workshop and concluded with a physically demanding Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu session, lead by RAF Brize Norton coaches, pushing participants outside their comfort zones. This offered the team both a physical challenge and "a valuable opportunity for stress release, camaraderie, and laughter" according to the air base. Group Captain Charlotte Thompson ARRC KHN, AH Med Pers and training and director of nursing services said: "I commend the Tactical Medical Wing for recognising the importance of resilience training within their squadron. "In the context of ongoing conflict in Europe and the immense pressure on medical services, equipping personnel with effective coping strategies, and the ability to recognise signs of stress in others, is absolutely essential. READ MORE: Oxford bridge cordoned off by police in incident "It was a pleasure to reconnect with Mark Ormrod today, a former patient of mine from Operation Herrick. Mark Ormrod and Group Captain Charlotte Thompson sharing their story at the event (Image: RAF Brize Norton / Paul Crouch) "Despite the life-changing injuries he sustained, his inspirational talk offered powerful insights into resilience and mental strength. "I also applaud RAF Brize Norton for supporting this vital training, which should be made available to all personnel." Resilience lead for the Operations Squadron, Sergeant Danielle Thorpe-Gray, EM Nurse added: "One of my key priorities has been to create development opportunities that invest in the wellbeing of our personnel. READ MORE: Cause of devasting house fire found in Oxfordshire village "Our aim is to equip our highly skilled clinicians with practical mental and physical tools to help them thrive in high-pressure environments, while also strengthening team cohesion. "Yesterday's Resilience Day was a reflection of that commitment. We were honoured to be joined by Mark Ormrod, whose powerful story of resilience deeply resonated with the team." RAF Brize Norton regularly hosts this kind of initiative to maintain the wellbeing and operational readiness of teams.

Woman in her 70s 'gets life back' after shedding six stone
Woman in her 70s 'gets life back' after shedding six stone

Yahoo

time7 hours ago

  • Yahoo

Woman in her 70s 'gets life back' after shedding six stone

A woman in her 70s said she has "got her life back" after shedding an incredible six stone. Pauline Spencer, from Cromer, decided she wanted to lose weight two years ago when she was battling low self-esteem. She went to see her GP for help and was put on a waiting list for a referral for weight loss injections. Pauline Spencer initially saw her GP about taking a weight loss injection (Image: Supplied) The GP suggested she join her local Slimming World group for support while she waited. Her consultant Steve and the rest of the group were so helpful that the pounds started dropping off in no time, and she no longer felt the need to take the medication. "I've now found the magic want I thought didn't exist," Pauline said. READ MORE: Pauline was fed up of living with obesity and low self esteem (Image: Supplied) "And it wasn't a drug!" After the weight loss, Pauline has felt much happier in her own body and mind. The 71-year-old can join her friends for early morning walks, dance sessions and fitness classes. READ MORE: NNUH team wins national award for innovative patient monitoring system Pauline now feels better than ever (Image: Supplied) She has also started running craft and hobby sessions in the local area, which her former self never would have imagined doing. Pauline has just nine pounds left to lose until she reaches her target, but consultant Steve said she is "already a winner in every way that matters".

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store