I was asked to become a volunteer after I received an award for my Para-Swimming career at the Tendring Sports awards by a member of Active Essex. It helped fill a void after I was forced to take ill health retirement from teaching. Through the role I have learnt new skills, taken part in many challenges, scheduled weekly social media posts and developed resources and blogs for those with long term health conditions and disabilities to help them to participate in sports and physical activity.
As an Official Campaigner For The Pituitary Foundation and Essex All Together Ambassador for Active Essex I have extensively shared my lived experiences of long-term health conditions, disability and mental health conditions in order to support others in their daily lives. I have used my writing skills to produce blogs which are posted on both my own website, Active Essex website and in The Pituitary Foundation publications. I have recently completed the At home Summer Superheroes event with Active Essex and am part of a working party group with The Pituitary Foundation to provide a set of resources for those living with multiple health conditions.
Examples of my shared experiences with others can be accessed through the following links:
My Pituitary Story: https://timetoheal1210.wixsite.com/pituitaryconditions/post/do-you-have-a-pituitary-condition-share-your-story-and-help-others
Supporting those with multiple long-term health conditions: https://timetoheal1210.wixsite.com/pituitaryconditions/post/the-challenges-faced-by-those-with-a-pituitary-condition-and-other-chronic-diseases-2-1
Superheroes Series:
Week Three — https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1WMybaeHeCaEYksP/
Final Week — https://www.facebook.com/share/p/68VB3kegSw6LxKi8/
Through my work at Ridgewell House care home, I have been able to work with adults with extensive needs including Dementia, Parkinson’s, arthritis and various other long-term health conditions. Through the use of carefully selected and practised arts and crafts activities, I have seen significant improvements in their fine and gross motor skills as well as social skills and improved mental well-being.
These roles have allowed me to develop good communication skills and aid my understanding of the needs of many different target groups. I have a good working knowledge of key stakeholders including Sport England, Activity Alliance, Active Essex, Sport For Confidence, Sense, Wheelpower and Mind along with programmes like We Are Undefeatable, Love To Move, This Girl Can and Learn at Scope.
I’m an active member of Mobilates - a specialised Pilates programme specifically designed for those with long-term health conditions and mobility issues. This has helped me develop knowledge and confidence in myself, but also in understanding the needs of others and the way to adapt and use innovative approaches that are both safe and effective to participants.
Alongside increased knowledge, treatments and intensive physiotherapy I was able to return to coaching gymnastics and primary school supply teaching. From there I gained the confidence to apply for jobs and am delighted to be back working part-time as a Peer Support Worker with Sport for Confidence. This enables me to continue to work to help those facing significant barriers to participation to access sports, volunteering and employment in the industry.
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