From yesterday (September 5), an NHS-funded Health Trainer will be available every Wednesday at Saffron Walden Community Hospital, offering free advice and support to people who wish to make changes to their lifestyle.
The Health Trainer service across west Essex is being run by one of the country’s largest and most successful social enterprise healthcare providers, Anglian Community Enterprise (ACE), which has been awarded a one-year contract by NHS West Essex.
James Yallop, in charge of the Health Trainer service across west Essex, said: “The beauty of the Health Trainer service is, firstly, it is free and, secondly, it is tailored to the specific circumstances and needs of each individual. Our team of Health Trainers and volunteer Health Champions work in the community with individuals, helping them change their lifestyle so that they can achieve their goals for a healthier lifestyle.
“It’s not all prescriptive and we don’t preach. It’s all about partnership working and empowering people to help turn around their lives in the way they wish to turn them around, tackling such issues as weight management, physical activity, smoking, alcohol and stress.
“The five key lifestyle behaviours we tackle are:
- weight management
- stopping smoking
- reducing alcohol intake
- getting more physically active
- dealing with stress, depression and anxiety.
“One of our Health Trainers, Samantha Whiteman, will now be based at Saffron Walden Community Hospital every Wednesday so this is a great opportunity for people to avail themselves of the service. It is best if people book their appointment first by calling 0800 731 3133.”
One person who has already taken advantage of the service and is delighted with the results is 50-year-old Jeremy Rose from Newport. “I came across the Health Trainers at a well-being day at Uttlesford District Council. I had a free health check and discussed my weight and lifestyle with the Health Trainer team. I really liked what I heard because it was all about them listening to how I felt and coming up with suggestions which specifically suited what I wanted to achieve.
“I’ve worked for myself as a creative designer for 12 years now and was becoming very conscious that I needed to make some ‘me time’ to enable me to introduce changes to my lifestyle. I had a fairly good idea of where I needed to make changes – stop missing breakfast, walk to work rather than take the car, cut back on the coffee – but the approach taken by James was brilliant. It really helped focus my mind.
“I see a Health Trainer once a month now because it helps give me that all-important nudge. I’ve been recommending the service to lots of people because I am so enthused by what it has done for me – and it’s all totally free!”
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