ESCAPE-pain rehabilitation to launch in Dorset

10 million people in the UK suffer with arthritis. In Dorset it is estimated that around 66,000 people aged 45+ are living with hip or knee osteoarthritis.*

Joint pain and stiffness are common symptoms. They can be disabling and have a significant impact on the ways people are able to lead day-to-day life.

ESCAPE-pain is a rehabilitation programme for people with chronic joint pain associated with hip or knee osteoarthritis. It consists of self-management techniques, education and a personalised exercise programme.

This helps participants understand and how to cope with their condition better.

Martin Kimberley, Active Dorset Chief Executive, stated,“Arthritis UK and the Health Innovation Network have approached Dorset to test how their proven intervention programme can be delivered at scale. Active Dorset working closely with Public Health Dorset, Dorset CCG and key leisure providers are delighted to be delivering the trailblazing roll out of ESCAPE-pain and look forward to Dorset residents being the first to benefit.”

The next phase of ESCAPE-pain courses begin in the New Year and will be delivered by BH Live across three venues; BH Live Active Corfe Mullen, Littledown and Pelhams Park Leisure Centre.  Active 4 Health will also be delivering sessions at; Moors Valley Country Park & Forest, Queen Elizabeth Leisure Centre and Two Riversmeet Leisure Complex.

“We want as many people as possible to benefit from this scheme which is why are pleased to offer ESCAPE-pain in our health and wellbeing programme, says Mike Lyons, BH Live’s Director of Sport and Leisure.

“Physical activity is one of the ways we can really make a difference to community health. We encourage anyone who is affected by hip or knee osteoarthritis to get in touch with us and see how we can help manage the symptoms of their condition and improve their quality of life.”

Classes are run by a physiotherapist or exercise professional and integrate education and exercise.

Jackie O’Connor, Health & Activity Officer at Christchurch & East Dorset Councils, added “We are happy to support Active Dorset by delivering the ESCAPE-pain programme through Active 4 Health and hope the sessions provide great benefit to those currently experiencing joint pain.”

After completing the twice weekly six-week programme, evidence has shown that many participants were able to better manage their symptoms, have the confidence and knowledge to be more active and the motivation to continue exercising.

The aim is to achieve county-wide participation across leisure venues by the end of 2018.

-ENDS-

For further information on ESCAPE-pain sessions please contact;

For Christchurch and East Dorset based classes – (QE, 2RM and Moors Valley)
Active 4 Health  – E: active4health@christchurchandeast / T: 01202 795141

For Bournemouth and Poole based classes – (BH Live Active, Corfe Mullen, Littledown and Pelhams Park)
BH Live  – E: kate.rogers@bhlive.org.uk / T: 01202 055773

*Sources:
https://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Arthritis/
http://www.arthritisresearchuk.org/internal-resources/data-and-statistics/bulletins/osteoarthritis/south-west/dorset.aspx

About Active Dorset
Active Dorset are one of 44 County Sports Partnerships (CSPs), who work across the sporting landscape in their county, actively supporting partners to increase participation in sport and physical activity.
The Community Interest Company run a range of programmes including Satellite Clubs and the Dorset School Games throughout the county and they help to support the work of clubs, coaches and volunteers.

For more visit www.activedorset.org

For more information about Active Dorset please contact:
Georgie Messenger, Communications Officer
E: gmessenger@activedorset.org
T: (01202) 458889

About BH Live
BH Live is the south coast’s leading operator of leisure and event venues; a social enterprise that designs and builds engaging experiences to inspire people and enrich lives.  With 3.4 million visits a year and over £39 million turnover, the organisation is changing lives – placing it at the heart of the UK’s growing social economy.  In 2016/17 BH Live hosted more than 500 events, sold over half a million cultural, sporting and entertainment tickets. They had 2.9 million activity attendances in its leisure centres and welcomed 100,000 conference and exhibition delegates into its venues. This contributed an estimated £44 million to the local economy through business and cultural tourism.

For more visit bhlive.org.uk

Get social with us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter @BHLIVE_UK

For more information about BH Live please contact:
Elizabeth Symmons, PR & Corporate Communications Executive
E: press.office@bhlive.org.uk
T: (01202) 055562

About Littledown
Littledown is managed and operated by BH Live in partnership with Bournemouth Borough Council.

Set in 47 acres of parkland, Littledown has some of the finest leisure, swimming, football and gym facilities in the country.

It is ranked among the top performing leisure centres in the UK – crowned Local Authority/Leisure Trust Gym of the Year at the 2016 National Fitness Awards and accredited by quality scheme QUEST.

The centre attracts more than 1.2 million visits each year and is home to clubs including Bournemouth Swimming Academy, Swim Bournemouth, Littledown Juniors Football Club and Play Football.

It runs nearly 300 weekly fitness classes, has one of the largest gyms in the UK with personal training, an exercise referral and children’s activity programme. The BH Live Active team also works with local health authorities, trusts, education providers and organisations to encourage greater participation in physical activity.

Indoor facilities include a 25-metre swimming pool, 17-metre teaching pool, waterslides, splash pool, steam rooms, a sauna and sanarium. There is a large sports hall for events and multi-sports including trampolining, badminton, table tennis, football and gymnastics.

The centre also has on-site catering and an Ofsted registered crèche.

Outdoor facilities include leisure attraction, ALTITUDE High Ropes Adventure at Littledown Park (2017 TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence), six floodlit 3G rubber crumb training pitches, grass football pitches, parkland for recreation and events, a cricket pitch and pavilion, lake, paddling pool, children’s playground, outdoor catering outlets, leisure orienteering course and parking.

For more visit bhliveactive.org.uk

Get social with us on Facebook and Twitter @BHLIVE_UK @bhliveactive

About Pelhams
Pelhams is managed and operated by BH Live in partnership with Bournemouth Borough Council.

Located north of Bournemouth, it has two swimming pools, a sanarium, large gym, aerobics studios, spin studio, FeelGood Factory and a Terrace Café. Over 900 people learn to swim at the centre with the Bournemouth Swimming Academy and there are more than 100 weekly fitness classes for all abilities.

It has three tennis courts plus eight floodlit 3G rubber crumb artificial training pitches used regularly by Play Football leagues and community groups. The team works closely with the local community and health groups to provide fitness and social activities for vulnerable people, individuals with health concerns and people on low income.

For more visit bhliveactive.org.uk

Get social with us on Facebook and Twitter @BHLIVE_UK @bhliveactive

About BH Live Active, Corfe Mullen
BH Live Active, Corfe Mullen is located in East Dorset. It is a vibrant community hub with a pool, gym, group exercise studios, a Terrace Café with soft play and tennis courts.

It also runs a learn-to-swim programme for adults and children, together with an 813 Club and Kids’ Zone, to enable families to take part in physical activity together.

For more visit bhliveactive.org.uk

Get social with us on Facebook and Twitter @BHLIVE_UK @bhliveactive

About Active 4 Health
Led by Christchurch and East Dorset Councils, a partnership to encourage local people across Christchurch and East Dorset to become more active through a wide range of activities to suit their health needs, location and activity interests. This incorporates physical activity in the natural environment and within leisure.

About Queen Elizabeth Leisure Centre, Wimborne
Queen Elizabeth Leisure Centre, based in the heart of Wimborne, East Dorset. With access to 3 gyms as well as a Vibroplate which can help decrease joint pains and levels of fatigue from the rapid muscle movements. All 3 gyms are filled with the latest equipment providing a wide range of purposes to help you get the very best out of your workout. Public swimming sessions, sauna and steam room facilities are all available at this site with a friendly atmosphere and on hand staff to help clients wherever possible. Free equipment is accessible to hire, please just ask a member of staff. There are also over 55 fitness classes available for all abilities.

For more information please visit lifestyle-active.gov.uk

About Two Riversmeet Leisure Complex, Christchurch
Two Riversmeet Leisure Complex is located in the historic town of Christchurch. It provides a fabulous 50’s club and Stay Active mornings, and the use of squash courts are all accessible to enjoy. The Complex provides a 25 metre main pool and a training pool to suit all abilities. Enjoy a superb round of Golf or FootGolf, whilst enjoying the panoramic views of Christchurch Harbour and Priory. Two Riversmeet Leisure Complex has two fantastic 6-a-side 3G floodlit turf pitches which are perfect for adult football leagues, children’s activities and much more. The Café is often a popular place to visit after an activity.

For more information please visit lifestyle-active.gov.uk

About Moors Valley Country Park
Moors Valley Country Park and Forest offers many opportunities to enjoy the countryside at your own pace, exploring woodland, healthland, lakes and rivers whilst spending time with friends or family. A wide range of activities that form part of the Activate Coast & Countryside project are delivered from the park to help local people get more active.
Moors Valley is jointly managed by East Dorset District Council and the Forestry Commission.
For more information please visit www.moors-valley.co.uk