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Improving Lives Through Leisure - Margaret's Story

The benefits of our out of hours health referral service

I was referred by my GP at Oaklands surgery. I had never heard of this scheme before. It seemed almost too good to be true.

I was well supported via email by the coordinator Claire, who was able to answer my questions.

At my introductory meeting with one of the coaches, I gave details of my health problems, and what I was hoping to gain from the scheme. I was offered two free sessions per week for a total of 12 weeks and chose one gym visit and one aquafit class. Both sessions were in the evening. I have some health-related limits to what I can do so chose two totally different areas of exercise to try. I wanted to see if I could improve my core strength, stamina and balance.

The gym equipment was for a wide variety of abilities and interests, but I found I could access a couple of things and that was fine. The aquafit was what surprised me the most. I have never been confident in the water, so was really unsure about the water-based exercise. However, with easy access into the water, an enthusiastic coach, music and a programme which flows, I soon realised I could do far more exercise than I had done for years. The biggest bonus was it was pain-free exercise, having the water to support me. There is no pressure to ‘keep up’. The sessions are 45 minutes long, but people do as much or as little as they feel able to do on any particular day. The whole experience is non-judgemental which I found very reassuring. Everyone does what they can.

On week 5 of my 12-week course I asked about becoming a member of Freedom Leisure. This would mean I could access classes during the day, I could choose from lots of different activities, and I could do multiple classes per week. As I was a GP referral, I could pay a reduced amount per month, which made it both affordable and extremely good value for money. After a few months a new class appeared on the timetable: seated Pilates. I decided to give that a go, and really enjoy it.

The important thing for me is the difference I feel in my body. After 9 months I feel physically stronger, I am able to walk further, and the impact on my mental health has been extremely positive. It doesn’t take long to get to know people, and many of the members meet regularly after the classes. It’s an inclusive experience.

I can strongly recommend giving this scheme a go. There’s nothing to lose. It won’t suit everybody, but there is truly so much to be gained from giving exercise a try. I hope that the funding for the Out Of Hours scheme will continue indefinitely, as the benefits are very clear to see in everyone who attends.