2024-07-24 15:17:49
Learning disabled man from Devon celebrates weight loss as he overcomes hurdles
Paul, a person supported by learning disability charity Hft in Devon, is celebrating after achieving his target of losing two stone with help from Hft colleagues.
Paul has been on his weight loss journey for five years. He initially enjoyed attending a slimming class in his local area and worked with Support Worker Roseanne Dart to create a healthy cookbook with his favourite recipes.
However, when Covid struck, his progress halted as he was unable to attend these meetings. As an alternative, Roseanne worked with him to do weekly weigh-ins at home as well as short walks around the local park.
Paul wanted to lose weight because he was experiencing a lot of pain in his joints, particularly in his knees and hips. After a health check in 2022, he was told that it would also be beneficial for his osteoporosis to lose weight.
He was referred for physiotherapy each week. To help with the exercises provided by the physio, Roseanne sourced a ‘step up’ aerobic step to help with some of the new exercises he needed to do. They started with 10 steps once a day, and gradually moved this up to three times a day.
They also made a large wall chart that had a ‘mini Paul’ on it. This ‘mini Paul’ would be moved to show Paul’s weight loss. At each half a stone he lost, there was a reward. And the more he lost, the better the reward.
Paul stood proudly in front of his weight loss chart
Paul was also supported to attend regular swimming sessions. While he was not confident with swimming at first, Roseanne and her team worked with him so he would feel more comfortable swimming for longer periods. Paul also started attending the gym to increase his exercise as he liked the idea of gaining muscle and enjoying more treats. He now has a workout book for his weekly sessions, and always looks to switch up what he’s doing in the gym.
Roseanne reflects on Paul’s tremendous progress: “It’s got to the point now that when we go to the gym and sign in, I’m no longer needed. Paul goes off, gets changed, brings me his bag and then goes and completes his session.”
She concludes: “Paul has done incredibly well and all the staff and I, as well as his doctor, are incredibly proud of him. I really look forward to supporting Paul not only to carry on with his current exercises, but to see what is next.”
Notes to editors
For further information please email media.enquiries@hft.org.uk
About Hft
Proudly established in 1962 by a group of visionary parents, Hft is a charity supporting more than 2,500 learning disabled adults in England and Wales. Together, we are creating a future where learning disabled people and their families can live the best life possible.
Providing personalised support. Creating solutions for living independently. Coming together to campaign for positive change. Fundraising for new opportunities and a bigger impact.
In 2033, we’ll live in a world where learning disabled people have greater choice. About where they live. The support they need and want. And how to spend their time and money.
Learning disability versus difficulty
A learning disability is different from a learning difficulty but the terms are often confused and used inter-changeably. A learning difficulty does not affect general intellect, whereas a learning disability is a life-long condition characterised by a reduced intellectual ability and struggle with everyday activities.
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For more information about Hft please visit www.hft.org.uk
