Empowering Health Through Gentle Movement and Community

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Background

Chronic pain can be a debilitating condition that affects both physical and mental health, often leading to related issues such as anxiety, depression, and weight gain. In Shropshire, a need was identified for a group to support people living with long-term chronic pain, as there was little local provision to help patients remain active and manage their symptoms. Social isolation, often linked with chronic pain and reduced mobility, was another concern, prompting the need for a group-based initiative that could also offer social support.

How Energize Got Involved

The creation of the support group was made possible through Sport England’s Together Fund, which backed Shropshire Community Leisure Trust in collaboration with local voluntary and charity sector organisations, as well as social prescribers. This collaborative approach allowed the trust to establish a group offering physical activity, peer support, and mental health assistance. The grant supported the participation of up to 30 patients for a 12-week programme of gentle exercise tailored to individuals' needs.

What Happened

Utilising the Shropshire Community Leisure Trust’s in-house gym, the programme focused on improving patients' mobility and activity levels through weekly gentle exercise sessions. Led by a qualified Exercise on Referral trainer, the sessions were personalised to ensure they met the diverse physical needs of participants. The programme encouraged informal, supportive discussions during and between sessions, creating a community atmosphere where participants could share experiences, offer encouragement, and receive input on various topics.

Wendy Marston, the Community Engagement Lead, noted that the programme helped people who had not exercised in years take small but significant steps, such as using a recumbent bike for a few minutes—a major achievement for many participants.

The Impact

The chronic pain management group has seen positive outcomes across physical, mental, and social dimensions. Participants reported improved mobility and increased confidence in their ability to perform daily activities. The informal and supportive group setting has also helped combat social isolation by providing a space for participants to connect, share their struggles, and offer each other encouragement.

Participants experienced relief through peer support, and many valued the opportunity to be active again, no matter how small the steps. For individuals who had felt disconnected due to mobility issues, the sessions have not only fostered physical improvements but also created new opportunities for social engagement.

The success of this initiative highlights the importance of combining physical activity with social support to help those living with chronic pain lead fuller, healthier lives.