"I was prescribed exercise classes for my arthritis – and now I no longer need my walking stick"
When Mary Howells developed arthritis in her knee, both her mental and physical health took a downward turn.
The previously fit and outdoorsy great-grandmother resorted to using a walking stick to get around - and took painkillers just to pop to the shops.
But after being referred to a council-run scheme at her local leisure centre is designed to help adults with long-term conditions, she saw a remarkable improvement in her wellbeing.
“I was always out and about and hated staying at home. But when the arthritis set in, I struggled to walk without pain,” recalled Mary, 80, from Penarth. “I would be stuck in the house, eating too much rubbish, becoming lazy and not enjoying my life at all.
“But this scheme has completely changed things for the better. I’m happy, I no longer walk with a stick, and I’ve been able to go on holidays to Australia and Japan to see my family. I’m living proof that it works.”
The National Exercise Referral Scheme, known as NERS for short, gives inactive adults over the age of 16 - and living anywhere in Wales - access to 16 weeks of tailored and supervised physical activity to help manage, or prevent, chronic conditions.
People are referred to the scheme by NHS-registered health professionals such as GPs, practice nurses and physiotherapists. The aim is to provide opportunities to exercise that are fun, rewarding and that can be incorporated into everyday life.
In the Vale of Glamorgan, the scheme is delivered by the Vale of Glamorgan Council’s trained Exercise Referral Professionals through its network of leisure centres.
Mary, who was referred by her NHS physiotherapist to the NERS scheme based in Penarth Leisure Centre, admitted she was initially apprehensive about joining.
“To me, coming indoors and using exercise machines wasn’t a part of my lifestyle. I questioned whether it would make any difference - but I was willing to try it,” she admitted. “And as the weeks went on, I made some new friends - and I just kept going and going until I began seeing a real difference.”
Mary was under the expert and tailored guidance of Craig Nichol, an Exercise Referral Professional based at Penarth Leisure Centre.
As part of both group and individual sessions, Craig was able to give Mary the confidence to carry out a range of exercises to build up her muscle strength, cardiovascular fitness, balance and coordination.
“He also gave me little tips on diet and how to exercise at home. I cannot praise him highly enough – he gave me, and so many others, such encouragement and he will answer any questions, no matter how silly they may sound. He’s an exceptional person and he makes every session fun.
“It’s a social thing as much as anything else. I now feel like I’m a part of one big happy family. I can now walk endless miles without any pain.”
Craig Nichol said the NERS scheme gives people the tools to stay healthier for longer, reduce falls risk and ease the burden on the acute end of the health service.
He added that the exercises prescribed to each person are based on the clinical information he receives from the NHS professional who has referred them.
“Before they start the scheme, I invite them in for an initial assessment. We sit down and have a chat for an hour just to get a feel for what goals they want to set and whether they have any concerns,” he explained. “Then we can explore what route to go down in terms of a fitness plan.”
Some of the typical chronic conditions referred to NERS includes arthritis, lower back pain, pulmonary and cardiac rehabilitation, obesity and diabetes. As well as the routine classes, Craig also offers sessions in the main gym at the leisure centre as well as Thai Chi and light circuit training. A review of the patient’s progress is carried out every four weeks to ensure they are on target to meet their goals.
Craig added: “The results are outstanding. I have seen some people’s lives changed dramatically and it brings a smile to my face. It’s very humbling that I can influence these guys and their lifestyles.”
NERS is funded by Public Health Wales, but the exercise sessions during the 16 weeks cost around £2.50. These charges can vary slightly on a local basis. Individuals can also attend follow-up sessions depending on availability.
Claire Beynon, Executive Director of Public Health at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, said: “The Public Health Team at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board is delighted to support this programme and encourage people to be more active. If physical activity were a drug, it would be called a wonder drug. Moving more not only improves physical health but also boosts mental health.”
Cllr Gwyn John, Vale of Glamorgan Council Cabinet Member for Leisure, Sport and Well-being, said: “The NERS scheme is a vital part of our commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of people across the Vale of Glamorgan. Mary’s story is a powerful example of how physical activity can transform lives – and I’d also like to thank Craig Nichol for his outstanding work in helping residents like Mary regain independence, manage long-term conditions, and enjoy life to the fullest. Schemes like NERS not only supports individuals, but also helps ease pressure on our wider health services by promoting healthier and happier communities.”
For more information, please go to the Public Health Wales website.