Everyone Active Case Study

It was so nice to have other men to talk to about health matters and to hear and share experiences. The gym taster provided has been fantastic, I’ve been able to attend regularly and have already noticed that I get out of breath much less now when walking upstairs etc.

The sessions were very useful, I learnt information about nutrition and exercise that I was unaware of.  I am 53 and would recommend the course to anyone approaching middle age, or earlier, who feels like me that they are just ‘drifting’ not really knowing where to go for advice on health and wellbeing and not wanting to bother a doctor. Rarely is men’s health a focus in today’s world, this course really brought mine into focus.

The instructor was superb, he knew his stuff and was able to explain everything clearly, he gave us all a chance to speak and share experiences, often adding his own.

I really liked the support group meeting, it was really informative. I found it fascinating to learn how oestrogen and progesterone are so relevant during menopause and how the body changes during the different stages. I am 58 and post- menopausal, I really  thought that all my aches and pains and health problems were just a part of getting older and  It has been very helpful to learn how I can help myself with some simple changes to my lifestyle. I learned how being physical active can actually help with my creaking bones! The presenter managed to make the session fun! It was good to be with other women going through menopause who understand how hard it can be.

I have been a member of the Stevenage Arts and leisure centre for 22 years, over the years, I have had to cope with some major health problems.

In 2009, I had a hip and knee replacement, unfortunately, I contracted a serious infection which meant that i was unable to walk, and I was housebound for nine months. Eventually, after having a second hip and knee replacement, I was able to come back to the gym in a wheelchair. With the help of the exercise referral instructors, I slowly regained my fitness and ability and reconnected with my gym friends.

My wife Freda and I attended the gym and classes six mornings a week, but, sadly, Freda developed Alzheimer’s disease and passed away in 2022. I firmly believe that coming to the gym benefited Freda greatly by seeing her friends and keeping her mind and body active.  We often said that the gym is a social club where they happen to do some exercise!

I still come to the gym, the support that I have received from my friends and the fitness team has been a real comfort to me which is helping me to cope with the loss of Freda. If it were not for the support of everyone, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I have so much to thank everyone for.

When most people think of a gym, they think of super fit people doing unbelievably hard workouts, not a possibility to most of the population. They wouldn’t dream of coming to such a place because they are not fit/ young/slim/ healthy enough. Today is my fifth-year anniversary since I had a heart attack and a triple bypass. Surgeons told me to stop working and get some exercise into my life. So, I joined the Leisure Centre.

I started with Cardiac Rehab, which I still do today. When I was able to do more, I joined some dance classes which I really love!

I visit the centre every weekday, my wife comes with me and we have made some wonderful friends.  We spend more time at the centre than at home! We love every minute.

On my fifth anniversary since having a heart attack and joining the Exercise Referral Scheme, I would like to thank the fabulous staff and instructors for making me the man I am today. Bless you all.

I came into the Healthy Hub as I see it as I walk past every day and wanted to learn more. I spoke to the receptionist and told her that I am a carer for my husband since he had his stroke and that I often feel lonely and get quite depressed. I was given some information about a carers group that meet regularly in the Healthy Hub who give advice and support over a cup of tea, I now attend this regularly and it has been a great help. I was also referred to the local Mind in Mid Herts and was able to speak to a lovely lady who has been helping me with my depression.

I was told about the exercise referral scheme within the centre and after being referred by my GP for health issues, I have joined the centre and go to Line dancing sessions and dance classes especially for ladies my age (I’m 72) My husband has also joined the gym and goes to stroke rehabilitation sessions.  I feel so much better than I did, both physically and mentally.  Walking into the Healthy Hub that day was best thing she ever did!

The 3 sessions a week provide excellent exercise on a regular basis as well as an opportunity to socialise with nearly 70 other players. The free drinks on Wednesday morning has really boosted the social side of the club! They provide an opportunity to play with a variety of players of a range of standards enabling us to develop our Pickleball play in an inclusive and informal way.

Danny and the Everyone Active team have been huge supporters of developing Pickleball in Stevenage. Danny was key in helping us to constitute the Pickleball group into a Club attending all the planning meetings. He negotiated the free supply of t shirts to the first 50 players to join the Club, worked with us in developing two project plans (Beginners Sessions and introduction of Pickleball at Shephalbury Park) and then obtained nearly £2,500 in funding from Stevenage Borough Council to make the projects happen. 16 new players have attended the Beginner Sessions in just the first two weeks.