This week a new campaign to encourage people with long term health conditions to be more active was launched.  ‘We are Undefeatable’ is a campaign which aims to inspire and support 15 million people who live with one or more long-term health conditions in England build physical activity into their lives.

At Leeds Rhinos Foundation we are proud to offer a variety of projects to support people living with health conditions in our local community.  Take a look at the range of free projects we provide and if you are interested in getting involved email health@leedsrhinosfoundation.org

MOTIVATE

MOTIVATE is a fun and exciting nutrition and physical activity programme run in partnership with Leeds Teaching Hospital NHS Trust and Leeds Cares and supported by Leeds Beckett University. The 12-week course offers people living with Rheumatoid Arthritis the chance to make small health changes through tailored, weekly physical activity and nutrition sessions in venues across the city.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) affects around 1% of the population. In addition to joint damage, RA increases their risk for heart disease and weakens their muscles. Appropriate nutrition and exercise may help reduce these side-effects of RA and also improve joint function. However, in a recent survey of RA patients, 52% of patients did not participate in any sports or exercise and 58% wanted to exercise more.

Active Beyond Cancer

Leeds Rhinos Foundation- in partnership with Yorkshire Cancer Research- offers a rehabilitation programme to support cancer patients in Leeds.

The Active Beyond Cancer programme is available to patients at different stages of cancer treatment, offering free health and fitness coaching and advice to help them increase their physical activity and improve their confidence with the long term aim of assisting in recovery from this disease.

Studies have shown that people tend to significantly reduce the amount of physical activity they do after being diagnosed with cancer and this can remain low for many years after their treatment is completed. Although the traditional approach has been that ‘rest is best’ during cancer treatment and rehabilitation, research suggests that low levels of physical activity in patients with cancer can result in symptoms of fatigue and a reduced quality of life.

The sessions involve both educational content and a focus on exercise, introduced through taster activities to build confidence and improve the health and well-being of the attendees with a series of guest speakers on money management and health and diet advice.

Try Club

Developed in partnership with Public Health Leeds the aim of Try Club is to help as many overweight men as possible engage and be successful in achieving their goals. On completion of the 12-week course the aim is for every participant to be educated, motivated and committed to getting healthy and staying fit.

People attending the course have reported a number of health benefits like Eddy Toronczak, who has diabetes and attended two course two years ago.

“A highlight for me is the exercises sessions within a team structure, we all help encourage each other in and out of theses, I can see the results and feel myself getting fitter. I am a type 2 diabetic and my nurse at my last health check was really impressed with my progress, I have seen my weight, blood sugar level, cholesterol and blood pressure drop, she said and I fully agree that the programme is much better than medication, I would recommend all men to take up the offer.”

Back Onside

Back Onside is a free 10-week course, run in partnership with Rugby League Cares, that is led by former Leeds Rhinos player Willie Poching to encourage men to rediscover the benefits of exercise in a safe and familiar environment and make healthy lifestyle choices. The weekly sessions are designed for men who haven’t exercised for a while and are looking to get fit and have fun.

Rhinos Active Social

Every week, Leeds Rhinos Foundation invites over 55s to partake in the Rhinos Active Social programme.

Built on the premise of a friendly, casual atmosphere, members can enjoy socialising with peers and physical activity sessions led by friendly, welcoming staff.

Over the two hours, activities such as beginner’s yoga, tai chi, boccia and chair-based aerobics are offered to the group to help them stay active in a safe and familiar environment.

The aim of Rhinos Active Social is simple- to engage the older community in activities to improve their physical, mental and social well-being by taking part in regular activities.

Sessions runs weekly at the following locations.

MORE INFORMATION

For details on any of these projects email health@leedsrhinosfoundation.org.