In November 2023, funding was secured to provide a new programme of physical activity health sessions in the Bexhill area.
The Creating A Healthier You weekly sessions are delivered by Sue Hull from 20/20 Health, an exercise referral scheme. It is delivered as a circuit-style exercise class, which include adapted or alternative exercises to make them suitable for all levels, with optional floor work. All equipment is provided, with participants asked only to bring a water bottle.
The NHS Sussex Personalised Care funding was gained through the work of Active Rother in partnership with Active Sussex and 20/20 Health.
20/20 Health specialises in creating exercise programmes to help reduce the effects of people’s medical condition(s) and improve their daily lifestyle. They work across Hastings & Bexhill, are accredited to the NHS and fully insured. All their instructors are DBS checked, first aid trained and have many years’ experience.
The session
The session recently celebrated its two-year anniversary and is going from strength to strength, supporting residents to make real and significant improvements to their physical and mental well-being.
Sue is passionate about helping people access and enjoy structured exercise and aims to make all her sessions realistic, effective and safe, and fun. She cares deeply about making people feel better about themselves physically and psychologically.
The sessions are held at Bexhill Leisure Centre on a Wednesday afternoon between 2.30 and 3.30pm.
Session impact
The session has an average 15 to 18 people attending weekly. Many of the attendees have taken part in the session for up to 18 months, citing how much it has helped them. They talk about now being more confident, more active in the rest of their lives and how important being active is for mind and body. people say they:
- now walk regularly
- play tennis again
- are active outside of the session and do exercise at home using videos online
- strength and balance has improved greatly
- get fewer back aches when gardening
Here are a few comments from people to illustrate how much they benefit from the session:
I can’t believe how far I have come. From being incredibly nervous about starting, I am now able to go up and down the stairs, instead of using a lift.
Attending has motivated me to exercise and made me more agile. I now run 2k regularly.
Participants have also highlighted the importance of an instructor who can understand their needs and support them on their journey. Examples of such comments include:
Sue is vital as the instructor, making us feel more confident and she listens to us
Sue understands our individual needs, making the session less pressurised
Further information
For further information, please get in touch with 20/20 Health on 07872 525432 or email 2020exercisereferral@gmail.com.
See also Creating a Healthier You with 20/20 Health for information and to book to attend.