Exercise gives you physical benefits like reduced blood pressure, weight loss and improved flexibility.
It also brings psychological benefits such as “I feel better in myself” or “I don’t get so tired anymore".
Read more about exercise...
NO simply wear whatever you feel comfortable exercising in. It is advisable to wear clothes in layers so that you can peel them off when you get warmer. Footwear should have a soft, flat sole.
Volunteering Opportunities
The Health Champion scheme offers the opportunity for volunteers to work with NHS projects that support the health of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly communities.
Volunteers can become involved by signing up as a Health Champion. This involves a CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) check, health questionnaire and references. But you could soon be part of the team. Opportunities range from general admin to assisting in the delivery of sessions.
Throughout your involvement with projects you will be supported by a professional. We will encourage Health Champions with training to enhance and support your volunteering and personal development. Basic expenses, such as travel coasts will be covered.
To become a volunteer with the Health Champions scheme contact the co-ordinator Zelga Hatton:
- Telephone: 01209 313419
- Email: Zelga.Hatton@ciospct.cornwall.nhs.uk
Volunteer Case Study - Chris Wood
Having been a volunteer with LEAP active since October 2009 I have experienced many different aspects of what the project has to offer. I have worked alongside the fitness professionals to understand their different roles within the project. These experiences have included taking part in organised walks and cycles with the Mobilise coordinators. I have further been involved with running exercise sessions such as circuits and group exercise, swimming pool based GP referral sessions, fitness testing and exercise circuits for people with a history of cardiac problems.
I have also observed consultations held by the LEAP active coordinators for people with health issues for example weight, smoking, self esteem and alcohol ism who want to make significant changes to their lifestyles. I have been given opportunities to attend health functions around the county in which LEAP active are prominent in offering advice and information for those interested. Furthermore I have experienced the administration responsibilities which are also significant within this area, monitoring the progress of the registered participants to the project and preparing advertisements for different events being offered by the team.
Volunteer Case Study - Lisa Barnard
I have been involved with Leap Active for a few years now. Initially I was making use of one of the services the leap active team provided in the way of exercises classes. I was doing the slimming on referral scheme, which was a joint project with weightwatchers and leap active providing the exercise part. Attending the exercise classes was voluntary but for me it was the best thing I ever did. The support and encouragement I had from the start from the trainer, was instrumental in my losing four stone in 12 months and the added bonus was the exercising helped me to tone up as I lost the weight.
My involvement with the team progressed by becoming a Health Champion volunteer. As a volunteer I work in support of the leap active team on various projects. I started out by getting involved in the Over 50's activities week and the Weight Management programmes, but have since trained as a Health Walk Leader for the Mobilise projects. Being able to work alongside the Leap Active team is not only great fun, it gives me the opportunity to give something back to them and to hopefully assist in supporting other people to take part in their projects and have fun along the way.
