WRIGHT Foundation have been involved in a pilot programme in West Cheshire, supporting people with neurological conditions to be more active and some of you may have already come across our Exercise for Long Term Neurological Conditions qualification that was developed in support of this project.

A survey conducted in 2021 with students who had completed the Neuro course in 2 found that amongst 32 respondents:

• 667 people with neurological conditions had been supported
• 92% of students cited receiving referrals directly from health care services and support groups, including NHS, MS centres, Parkinson’s support groups, Neuro physiotherapists, and GP/other health professional referrals

So far 160 students have qualified in this area of speciality, creating capacity for well over 3,000 people with neurological conditions to be supported to be more active.

At WRIGHT Foundation, we love to see the impact of our work including those who have qualified with WRIGHT Foundation on other courses.

Take Adam Coley for example, who has Level 4 Obesity & Diabetes and Level 4 Chronic Lower Back Pain qualifications amongst others and has worked as a home personal trainer for 15 years, now also studying Occupational Therapy at University.

Adam was approached by Derek (71) who wanted to get fit again, feel better, control his diabetes and manage his weight.

Adam had set up online sessions with clients during the pandemic, which Derek enjoyed, but felt they weren’t as beneficial to him as face to face sessions might be. So once they were able to, they would meet at a local park, come rain or shine and train for an hour using a variety of outdoor equipment.

Adam explains, “Derek really struggled during lockdowns. He wasn’t able to see many people and when he did, he was afraid that he would be at risk of catching COVID. Having a routine that wasn’t based around his home was something that helped him physically and mentally, and gave him something to look forward to, as well as hoping that things would return to normal soon.“

Derek explains how he has benefited from Adam’s support, “In the last eight months I have lost 5.5kg that I didn’t know that I’d got spare to lose. My BMI is at 26 and my diabetes consultant has taken away one of my drugs.

My trainer (Adam) has tailored me an exercise programme that has taken into account my health problems and that I do once a week under his direction and twice a week by myself. I am very pleased with the results.

I am running for buses and getting there, beating a punch bag into submission and doing weights for the first time in 30 years. All that and usually with a smile on my face!”

Thousands of students like Adam across the UK have trained with WRIGHT Foundation, impacting positively on 100’s of thousands or people with long term health conditions over the years, who are benefiting from a highly skills fitness workforce able to provide personalised advice and support.

Lorraine Nicholson, Director of Training at WRIGHT Foundation says:

“We are always so pleased to hear about the improvements our students make in the lives of their customers and Adam’s work with Derek is another great example of that. Derek’s story shows just what is possible when people with the right skills meet those who have the potential for real lifestyle changes like this. We hope Adam has the chance to help many more to experience the same lifestyle changes and improvements in their health and wellbeing in the years ahead!”

For further information on our Specialist courses and others see: https://www.wrightfoundation.com/courses_specialist.php

To read more stories like this, why not check out our blog here.