We  just wanted to take a moment to share something really special with you. We are incredibly proud of the exercise referral program that we run  at Church Stretton Leisure Centre. It's making a real difference in people's lives every single day.

Our fantastic EOR coordinator, Tim Almond, along with our amazing instructor, Cerys, are at the heart of this program. They see first hand the positive impact that exercise can have on individuals, and their dedication is truly inspiring.

To give you a little insight into the profound changes our team and the EOR program can bring about, I'd like to share Frances's story with you. It's a powerful example of how exercise can transform lives, and it's a testament to the hard work and commitment of our team.

"I am writing this, as I wish people to know how welcoming and helpful the lifeguards, reception staff and Exercise on Referral (EOR) team have been in encouraging me to return and continue using Church Stretton  Leisure Centre.

In December 2022 my consultant ophthalmologist advised me that my sight loss, due to retinitis pigmentosa, had reached the stage where I should be registered as severely sight impaired. This was a big shock to me. My initial reaction was how would I be able to continue walking the hills and enjoying exercise.

In April 2023 I was lucky to join a Fitness MOT session, run by Community Resource, at the Church Stretton Leisure Centre. I subsequently renewed my membership at the Leisure Centre. I was so pleased with the help from the supportive staff  there and I started back to Aquafit and swimming. I was able to have some individual swimming lessons to regain my confidence.

I then became interested in using the gym. I was advised, very wisely, that I should join the exercise on referral scheme, as I would need some specialised advice because of my vision impairment. My GP responded very promptly and positively. In December 2023 I had a meeting with the Exercise on Referral Coordinator.

I was delighted to be able to access the gym using my long white cane, both to avoid obstacles and warn others of my vision impairment. I also became a regular participant in swimming pool session as part of the EOR program. This was ideal for me as I was able to swim before and after the exercises. I very much enjoy both the structure and the sociability of these sessions.

Meanwhile the gym was becoming more difficult as the glare, during the summer, made it impossible to see the screens on the apparatus. Also the low contrast between the machines and dark carpets made it difficult for me to see how to get on and off the equipment. Tim Almond (EOR coordinator) understood and took these difficulties seriously. At the same time Viv Krishan, my Rehabilitation Officer for Visual Impairment (ROVI), offered to visit the gym and advise on solutions.

Tim Almond, Viv Krishan, Tracey Godsell (Leisure Facilities Team Leader)  met with me at the gym and discussed simple adaptations that might help myself and others in using the gym. Immediately, the following week, Tim and I started work on improving the accessibility to the gym machines.

I am very grateful for the input and understanding of everybody that will help me continue enjoying exercising at the Leisure Centre."

We wanted to take a moment to extend our heartfelt thanks to Frances for writing and sharing her inspiring story with us. Her experience is a testament to the positive impact of our leisure centre, and we hope it will encourage others to take advantage of our fantastic facilities.

If you are interested in learning more about our Exercise on Referral program, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at Church Stretton Leisure Centre. We are more than happy to provide you with any additional information you may need.

Furthermore, for useful information and advice, we highly recommend visiting the British Blind Sport website. They have a wealth of resources that can be incredibly beneficial:  http://britishblindsport.org.uk/events/

Exercise on referral is a physical activity referral scheme that offers support in developing an activity routine to help improve your health and assist in the management of your medical condition/s.

Physical activity has a key part to play in improving health and wellbeing. Exercise on referral will support and encourage you to take the first steps to becoming more active on a regular basis.