“Life-Changing” Wellness Hub
David is a 62 year old gentleman whose life has been is severely impacted by poor mental health. During the COVID pandemic David was at his lowest mentally and considered self-harming on several occasions.
For David, ‘life was a drudge’. His doctor referred him to Lincs Inspire on a patient health referral programme called Active Forever. After completing the 12-week programme (externally funded as part of a recovery programme for residents effected by the pandemic), David was able to receive further support to continue his wellbeing journey through the O’Flynn Foundation.
David said: “I was uncertain at first. I have trouble mixing with others, but I spoke to Ian [Lincs Inspire Health Improvement Manager] on the phone and he was very encouraging. He went through how the scheme could benefit me and so I thought, ‘what do I have to lose?’
“With help from my doctors, I have slowly recovered from the low point in my life and my time on this course has lifted my spirits beyond my greatest expectations. I’ve gone from strength to strength. The [power assisted] machines are excellent, and I’ve learnt about them and how they help you.
After years of no exercise, one day when using the seated machines, I could feel my muscles working again. My muscles were saying ‘hi!’. It was a wonderful feeling.
“I’ve had a fear of gyms all my life and stayed away as I’ve always felt they were for young people, those who are physically fit. But I feel really at home here. We’ve all got our problems, but when you’re here you don’t feel alone. The people in here are wonderful. I can talk to people – it’s not just the physical benefits, it the impact on my mental health, too. I feel much more confident in myself.
“You hear how exercise can lift you, but until you do it you don’t know how true that really is. I feel so much more positive, and I cannot thank everyone enough for their support and encouragement. It is changing my life and I look forward to a brighter future. I thank the O’Flynn Foundation for letting me continue my journey.”
Jayne O’Flynn met David in the Wellness Hub to hear about his story.
“It’s lovely to hear how we’re helping people. Exercise makes you feel better. It gives you a purpose. It encourages you to get up in the morning and want to meet people. When you’re here you don’t feel isolated. A problem shared is a problem halved. Men are not so good at this, so you need places like this. Things are much better and brighter when you share a problem.”
Jayne added: “When someone is living with a mental health difficulty, it effects everyone around them. I have experienced this in my family and my foundation is about being able to help people and give them the will to be happy. The purpose is to put someone’s life back on track.”
