Free programmes for local communities

During 2021, more than 4,000 people benefited from our unique Programmes For All. These are free services, which address unmet health and wellbeing needs in the community, and extend our reach to people living on lower resources who wouldn’t otherwise be able to access our services. Our programmes include support for those suffering with joint pain, and most recently, COVID-19 rehabilitation.

Our COVID-19 Rehabilitation Programme For All was the first of its kind in the UK. Developed in collaboration with the NHS and leading industry experts, it recognises that recovery from the virus can take months, and potentially years. Some patients are left with lasting physical damage including difficulty breathing and problems with mobility. For others the effects of the virus can exacerbate underlying health conditions such as heart disease, and cause mental health and anxiety issues.

Patients can be referred to the programme by their local NHS trust, or they can self-refer and inform their GP of their participation. Outcomes from the programme are showing significant improvements in breathing, strength and stamina, along with a reduction in symptoms of anxiety.

Data has been shared with the NHS and other healthcare providers as part of our commitment to share our learnings, and work together with others to rebuild the health of the nation, following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Primary school teacher Claire McVittie, 33, went from training for the Manchester Marathon to struggling to walk to the bathroom after contracting COVID-19. Thankfully, Claire’s GP referred her to Nuffield Health’s Rehabilitation programme in Manchester. At the start of the programme, Claire set herself a goal, with Ray, her Rehabilitation Specialist, to walk 100 steps every other day. This turned into 1,000 and then 2,000. And five months after first contracting the virus, she hit the 10,000 steps milestone.

Our Joint Pain Programme For All aims to reduce pain, increase mobility, and improve mental health by encouraging sufferers to participate in regular exercise. Feedback has been exceptional, with over 65% of participants achieving clinically significant improvements. Many of them continue to exercise at our gyms, along with others from their joint pain group, after the structured programme has finished. It gives them a peer group to socialise with, and motivation to maintain an exercise programme.

Watch our video to see other beneficiaries’ stories here.