Safe, Fit & Well programme helps Dawn get back to doing what she loves
When Dawn, who works in Northumbria Healthcare’s catering team, developed arthritis in her left knee, it had a significant impact on her ability to exercise.
Having previously maintained a good level of fitness, she found herself struggling with pain and swelling. Trips to the gym seemed to aggravate the problem, and eventually she stopped going altogether.
Looking back, Dawn recognises that stopping exercise was probably the worst thing she could have done.
“I wanted to keep active, but I was finding it difficult,” she said. “I’d always enjoyed exercising, but over the previous six months my knee had become increasingly painful and swollen.”
Hoping to regain her confidence and improve her wellbeing, Dawn signed up to Northumbria Healthcare’s Safe, Fit & Well programme.
Over six weeks, she worked with trainer Billy, who provided tailored support, guidance and exercises designed around her individual needs and capabilities.
Since completing the programme, Dawn has noticed a significant difference.
“With the coaching and support from the Safe, Fit & Well team, I’m more motivated, have less pain and I’m now managing to fit in three gym sessions a week,” she said.
Dawn praised Billy’s approach, describing him as supportive, encouraging and understanding.
“Billy has a lovely gentle manner and helped me get back to enjoying the gym again,” she said. “He showed me how to use the new equipment at Seaton Delaval, introduced me to a range of exercises that were different from my normal routine and kept me going throughout the six weeks with gentle prompts and reminders.”
Alongside one-to-one coaching, Dawn was also given personalised exercise plans she could refer to independently in the gym, helping her build confidence and maintain momentum between sessions.
For Dawn, one of the biggest benefits of the programme was the variety of activities and the fact everything was tailored specifically to her.
“I’ve exercised for many years, but these sessions felt different,” she said. “Rather than following the same routine, I had exercises that were adapted to my ability and needs. No two sessions were the same.”
Now enjoying exercise once again, Dawn is encouraging other colleagues to take advantage of the programme.
“I would recommend Safe, Fit & Well to anyone who wants to get back into exercise or start exercising for the first time,” she said. “It’s a great way to de-stress after a busy day at work and the support you receive is fantastic.”
“Hopefully I’ll keep this up through the dark winter nights and emerge in the spring like a butterfly,” she joked. “A fitter butterfly!”
The Safe, Fit & Well programme supports Northumbria Healthcare staff to improve their health and wellbeing through personalised fitness guidance, helping colleagues build confidence, stay active and achieve their individual goals.
Staff can self-refer to the Safe, Fit and Well programme here: https://northumbria.opasg2.com/selfreferral/authenticate
