A recipe for wellbeing
We’re championing the power of movement and exercise – not just as a means to enhance our physical health, but as essential tools to reduce stress, improve mood, enhance sleep, and sharpen focus.
A Grimsby man has got his life back on track after his mental health spiralled out of control due to a series of health conditions.
"Depression set in"
Heathcliffe, aged 56 from Grimsby, has now regained his self-confidence and self-worth after joining Lincs Inspire’s Wellness Hub and the Active Forever referral programme.
Heathcliffe explained: “About two years ago I started to get chest infections. An x-ray showed that I had fluid on my heart and lungs, and irreparable damage to the muscles around my heart.
“The medication I was put on meant that I was unable to work, and that’s when everything stopped.
“Most of my social interaction was either at work, which I thoroughly enjoyed, or in the pubs. But I couldn’t drink because of the pills and the heart conditions, so I really was in a mess.
“I didn’t realise that I was struggling with my mental health until suddenly, all my distractions, working and drinking, stopped. And I was having to cope with the side effects of the pills. I must have lived inside my head in the front room for months, or it seemed it anyway. Depression just set in.”
It was at this time when Heathcliffe was at his doctor’s surgery that he saw an advertisement for the social prescribing service – Thrive. He got in touch, and along with other support, referred him to Lincs Inspire.
He began using the power-assisted exercise machines in the Grimsby Health & Wellbeing Centre in February this year on a 12-week programme; two sessions a week.
Power-assisted exercise
Heathcliffe added: “The equipment here is the bee’s knees! When I first started, I was out of breath walking from the carpark, but thanks to the people that are here, I’ve now got a purpose. They’re so understanding, non-judgmental. Getting here used to be an effort and there would be so many excuses for me to stay in my own place, but my negative thoughts have now stopped.
“It gets me out of the house, and as soon as I get here, talk to the staff, talk to the other customers who are either struggling like me or recovering, then I feel great. We’re all here to help each other. You couldn’t ask for a better recipe.”
Heathcliffe completed a 12-week referral programme before being supported by the O’Flynn Foundation, a charity who work in partnership with Lincs Inspire to support eligible members continue their wellbeing journey.
Helping people like Heathcliffe is what the O’Flynn Foundation is all about. We help people get their lives back on track. The Wellness Hub is designed to help people with their medical conditions, but really and truly it also helps people with their mental health. It’s a holistic experience and it really is improving people’s lives.
Jayne O’Flynn, founder and trustee of the O’Flynn Foundation
About Active Forever
Active Forever is a 12-week health referral programme supporting patients to manage their symptoms, recover or prepare for surgery.
Healthy Activities
We recommend two forms of activity per week, which includes swimming, use of the gym, low impact classes or the power-assisted exercise equipment.
Click on the link below, or speak to your GP or health professional for a referral.
