Media Release
Importance of Charities Health Service Highlighted
Everybody Exercise Referral Programme
Registered charity, Everybody Health and Leisure highlight the importance of their Exercise Referral Programme, at Macclesfield Leisure Centre. During 2022-23 the Everybody Healthy service received 1390 referrals to the programme, Macclesfield being the second highest referral area, in Cheshire East.
Everybody’s Exercise Referral Programme provides a range of physical activity schemes for people who are recovering from illness or have been diagnosed with various long term health conditions. In the last year, Everybody supported 100% of participants who went from inactive to active, of which 75% are now achieving the government guidelines of 150 minutes of weekly exercise.
Everybody recorded 95% of participants felt their physical fitness had improved after completing the Exercise Referral Scheme.
Everybody Healthy member, Hazel Buckley attended the COPD Exercise Rehabilitation Programme with Denise Smallman, Specialist Health Instructor, at Macclesfield Leisure Centre. Since attending, Hazel has lost one and a half stone and feels the healthiest she’s ever felt. Hazel shared:
“I have enjoyed attending the sessions, made new friends and love the social side of the classes. I never thought I would start using a gym at my age but I love it. I also find I am not getting breathless walking from my car to the Leisure Centre door anymore.”
Everybody Healthy member, Hazel Buckley
Everybody Healthy member, Elizabeth Brander attended the health service by completing Everybody’s 12 week Multi Rehabilitation Programme. Elizabeth shared:
“Before starting the Everybody Healthy service, I would become breathless very easily and I was starting to lose confidence and getting nervous. Completing the programmes has taught me exercise not only helps me physically, but mentally too. A huge thanks to everyone who has made this so beneficial and such a positive experience.”
L-R: Denise Smallman, Specialist Health Instructor at Everybody, Elizabeth Brander Everybody Healthy member
Everybody’s Specialist Health Advisors will work with you to help manage your health condition/s through a tailored exercise programme and support you during your 12-week journey. The Exercise Referral Programme includes appointments with a Specialist Health Advisor, access to gym, swimming, group exercise classes, health walks and rehabilitation exercise classes if required.
Donna Williamson, Senior Health Innovations Manager at Everybody Health and Leisure shares:
“Physical activity is not only key to improving physical and mental health, but also has many wider social benefits. One in four people in England live with a long-term health condition and people in this group are twice as likely to be inactive, despite evidence indicating that being active can help manage many conditions, reduce the impact and severity of some symptoms and reduce health inequalities. Our Exercise Referral Scheme offers safe and tailored exercise, helping people to better cope with symptoms and improve their overall health.”
Everybody Health and Leisure offers something for all ages and abilities, for more information about their Exercise Referral Programme, at Macclesfield Leisure Centre please visit www.everybody.org.uk/what-we-offer/get-fit-and-healthy/health/everybody-exercise-referral/
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Notes to Editor
Everybody Health and Leisure are a registered charity which aims to provide ‘leisure for life’ by improving the health and wellbeing of local communities. The charity operates 16 leisure facilities including 9 swimming pools and 7 Taste for Life cafes across the Cheshire East region, and delivers a range of targeted health, sports and disability and inclusion programmes. For more information please visit: www.everybody.org.uk or follow on Twitter @ebleisure.
Media Contact
Name: Matt Shannon
Organisation: Everybody Health and Leisure
Email: [email protected]