At Sport for Confidence we’re proud to support people in finding new ways to be active, regain confidence, and build strength through our Supported Gym programme. Designed in partnership with the Active Wellbeing team, the programme provides personalised guidance and one-to-one support for those who may find traditional gym settings challenging. This month, we’re celebrating an important milestone as Brian prepares to become the very first graduate of the programme.
Brian will soon be the very first graduate of our Supported Gym programme at Leisure World Colchester, having attended for almost 12 weeks since we started the programme on Wednesday mornings.
Brian is a military veteran (ex-Paratrooper) and had a stroke while on holiday in Turkey about 4 years ago. Since then he has led a very sedentary lifestyle - he was always a very fit man but had recently struggled to find opportunities to be active.
Our team in Colchester have worked closely with Chrissy and Donna from the Active Wellbeing team at Leisure World to design and develop an exercise programme tailored specifically to his needs and have been supporting him 1:1 to access the Activa Gym.
Brian's goals have focused on strengthening for sit-to-stand transfers to help him to move around at home. We have provided a personalised home exercise programme and made other referrals to services including Adult Social Care for support for his wife, who provides care alongside juggling a full-time job.
We are currently looking at next steps for Brian - he is keen to get into the pool for some water based exercise, so we are looking forward to welcoming him to our Supported Swim session on a Monday. We have also signposted him to other social and physical activity offers for stroke survivors in Colchester such as Different Strokes Charity.
Brian’s journey is a powerful reminder of how the right support, encouragement, and tailored opportunities can open doors to independence, resilience, and renewed motivation. We’re excited to see him continue his progress in the pool and beyond, and we hope his story inspires others to take that first step toward a more active lifestyle.
Share this post: