Waveney Acute Services support workers Jon Moyce (left) and Sigmund Bainbridge have both completed gym instructor courses as Carlton Court’s new £70,000 gym offers people with mental health problems an opportunity to exercise.
New gym promotes good physical and mental health
A new £70,000 gym will help people with mental health problems in Waveney keep in good physical shape – so boosting their inner sense of self-esteem and wellbeing.
The gym – which will also be used by carers and staff – has opened at Norfolk and Waveney Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust’s unit at Carlton Court, in Carlton Colville, near Lowestoft.
The new facility, adjoining the Waveney Acute Services Centre, cost around £50,000 to build, and more than £20,000 has been spent on gym equipment including running, cycling, treadmill and cross trainer machines.
Chris Wager, manager of Waveney Acute Services, said the gym would help the service to refocus the care it provided in terms of people’s whole lives.
“We are sure that this will change the face of how we deliver mental healthcare, and improve people’s everyday lives in Waveney,” said Mr Wager. “The gym is a focal point, offering services which aim to improve physical health and wellbeing, thereby providing huge positive benefits for mental health.
“Waveney Acute Services has trained its staff to develop wellbeing programmes, including advice on nutrition, and how to stop smoking, plus physical activity through the use of the gym at Carlton Court. The wellbeing programmes extend into the community, and aim to help people take on healthier lifestyles within their everyday lives.”
Mr Wager said that the links between good physical and mental health were widely recognised.
“GPs often prescribe physical exercise to people with mild depression, and it can have a big effect on the self-esteem of people with secondary mental health problems. If they lead an inactive lifestyle, or have maybe put on weight because of medication, the gym will be a big benefit.
“Often our service users will have issues concerning their appearance and body image. They can be intimidated by community gyms and so this can be an ideal way for them to begin exercising.”
Funding for the gym project included part of a £50,000 Suffolk County Council grant for improvements in health and wellbeing outcomes, with the Trust contributing the outstanding balance.
Cllr Colin Noble, Suffolk County Council’s portfolio holder for adult and community services, said: “Exercise is a proven method for helping people get on the road to recovery and I am very pleased that we were able to contribute to this exciting new facility. I am sure it will make a big difference to many people’s lives.”
Support workers Jon Moyce and Sigmund Bainbridge have already trained as gym instructors, and a further six Trust staff are due to complete their training over the next couple of months.
