BH Live has launched its awarding winning exercise referral programme at Southsea’s Pyramids to get more people living with, or recovering from, a health condition, to feel the benefits of being more active.
More than 1,000 people each year already participate in similar health programmes with BH Live at other venues across the South.
The introduction of the scheme at the Portsmouth’s largest leisure and entertainment complex, will enable even more people across the region to benefit.
In Southsea, the exercise referral programme is being is led by BH Live’s health and wellbeing professionals in partnership with Macmillan Physical Activity Project in South East Hampshire, Queen Alexandra Hospital’s Physiotherapy and Neurological departments, Portsmouth’s NHS CCG, local GP surgeries and Hampshire Exercise Referral Forum.
Gavin Wilson, Health and Fitness Manager at Pyramids, is one of 23 fitness professionals across Hampshire who have gained Cancer Rehabilitation Level 4 qualification, funded by Macmillan Cancer Support.
BH Live is currently targeting specific health conditions including; cancer, obesity, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, joint replacement, osteoporosis, simple mechanical back pain (SMBP), asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), stress, anxiety, depression, diabetes (Type 1 and 2), hypertension and hypercholesterolemia.
Activity programmes have been specifically created to take into account different conditions, and are tailored to suit an individuals’ requirements, ability and needs.
Richard Neale, BH Live’s Divisional General Manager explains why the scheme has been launched at Pyramids.
“Independent research along with our own experience with thousands of customers, reinforces the positive link between being more active and feeling better. Having already provided an exercise referral programme at our other venues across the South, we know this can be very successful in improving people’s overall health and wellbeing. The exercise referral programme, includes 12-weeks of reduced price and free activities, and opens the doors for local residents to potentially feel better through regular and supported exercise.”
To find out more about getting onto BH Live’s exercise referral scheme at Pyramids, people are encouraged to either speak with their GP for a referral or contact the Pyramids exercise referral team on telephone 02393 200 330 or by email: healthreferral.pyramids@bhlive.org.uk.
Information about the programme and other activity concessions are also available at bhliveactive.org.uk
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
Case Study:
Name:
Mo Field from Southsea
Mo’s Story:
Mo was referred onto BH Live’s exercise referral scheme at Pyramids by the Neurological Department at the Queen Alexandra Hospital. As part of her rehabilitation from having a brain tumour removed, her surgeon recommended she take up an exercise program to help her with both her physical and psychological recovery from the operation.
The Queen Alexandra Hospital’s Neurological department outlined the exercises Mo had been undertaking at the hospital and the need for her to continue in order to improve her quality of life.
With the team at Pyramids, Mo has been working on her balance, flexibility and strength primarily to improve the side of her body that had been weakened as a result of her operation.
This has been achieved through two gym sessions per week, swimming and Yogalates to strengthen her weaker side. After Mo’s operation her right foot was in a splint (Drop Foot). She still uses a stick when walking unassisted however mobility has increased in her foot and shoulder.
Exercises that help with Mo’s co-ordination assist with activities of daily living. For example balance when negotiating stairs and gripping objects with her weaker hand.
Feedback:
Mo says,
“I really enjoy the fact that on the 12- week exercise referral scheme I have had the flexibility to use the gym, swim, classes and where appropriate the Spa at Pyramids. Reflecting on where I was a year ago I am in a much happier place than I was. My family has noticed my progression physically from week to week. My mental state has also improved helping with my confidence and happiness. Feeling more like my old self before the operation.
The support I have received from my family, medical professionals and the exercise referral team at Pyramids has helped me return to work on a part time basis. I totally recommend this programme to everyone to get more active.
You get lots of support from team at Pyramids and you also make new friends and improve your quality of life.”
Photo-caption:
Mo Field with Gavin Wilson, Health and Fitness manager at Pyramids, Southsea
For more information about BH Live please contact:
Elizabeth Symmons, PR & Corporate Communications Executive, BH Live
E: press.office@bhlive.org.uk
T: (01202) 055562
About Pyramids Centre
BH Live manages and operates the Pyramids Centre in partnership with Portsmouth City Council.
This is Portsmouth’s flagship entertainment complex with views of Southsea Beach. It has fun pools, flumes, waves and a three-level soft play adventure world.
There is also a multipurpose gym, 62 weekly fitness classes and a beauty spa. Regular live music performances and private events are hosted in the venue. For more visit bhliveactive.org.uk
Get social with us on Facebook and Twitter @BHLIVE_UK @bhliveactive @pyramidscentre @pyramidslive
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 nearly three million visits a year and £36.5 million turnover, the organisation is changing lives and is at the heart of the UK’s growing social economy.
BH Live was awarded The Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH), national Health Promotion and Community Well Being Organisation and Partnership Awards in 2010.
In 2015/16, BH Live hosted more than 500 shows, sold over half a million cultural, sporting and entertainment tickets, clocked up 2.4 million leisure centre visits and welcomed 118,000 conference and exhibition delegates. An estimated £66.3 million was also generated for the local economy. For more visit bhlive.org.uk
Get social with us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter @BHLIVE_UK