Cornwall wellbeing group helps people build confidence through fitness

The group has been enjoying activities such as swimming and learning how to make healthy snacks

People we support in Cornwall have been working out in the gym – as part of a new wellbeing group.

The group was launched at Hft’s Resource Centre in Wadebridge after a number of people who draw on the support of the day opportunities service said they wanted to improve their health and fitness.

There are five members in the group which enjoy healthy activities including swimming at Wadebridge Leisure Centre each Tuesday morning.

After taking a dip, it’s back to the resource centre for lunch and a session on nutrition, discussing and preparing healthy snacks and looking at different menus for dinners at home.

The group then enjoy an afternoon gym session back at the leisure centre before heading off for a game of volleyball.

The idea of setting up the group was raised at Hft’s Voices to Be Heard meeting in Somerset earlier this year.

Voices to be Heard is an involvement group, with representatives of people supported by Hft coming together to share ideas, raise concerns and speak up about the changes they want to see in their local area and across the charity.

When talking about goals and aspirations, many of those supported by the charity said they wanted to improve their health and fitness.

Some of the group are also now visiting the gym independently and have been developing their own work out routines

Andy had never been to the gym before and now regularly works out on the ski machine, the rowing machine and lifting weights. “Going to the gym has helped me come out of my shell and I feel more confident,” he said.

Catherine was inspired by her brother in law who likes to keep fit.

“He looks like The Rock,” she laughed.

“And my sister goes to the gym a lot.

“I wanted to improve my own fitness so I chatted to them about it and decided to go.

“I’m really enjoying it. I get to do lots of different activities and I have been learning new exercises.”

Each week the group fills out a log tracking their progress.

Senior Support Worker Thomas Robertson, who leads the group, said: “Before we launched the group we all sat down together and the people we support discussed their individual goals.

“For some it was to lose weight, for others it was to build strength or keeping fit to allow them to continue their hobbies such as horseriding.

“The group has opened up a lot of new opportunities for the people we support and helped them build confidence and feel more involved in their local community.”

When physical activities, sports, and community programmes are designed to be inclusive and accessible, they support improved physical health, emotional wellbeing, confidence, and social connections.

Removing barriers to participation enables learning disabled people to engage in ways that reflect their interests, strengths, and goals.

By ensuring environments, support, and attitudes enable rather than restrict participation, people with learning disabilities can experience the physical, social, and emotional benefits of exercise while enjoying equal opportunities to take part in their communities.