January is a good a month for health trainers across Bradford and Airedale as they celebrate their fifth anniversary of helping people live a healthier lifestyle.

The district-wide service, funded by NHS Bradford and Airedale, has encouraged more than 3,500 people to make changes to their lifestyle to improve their health and boost their confidence, helping them to live healthier and happier lives.

The health trainer and social prescribing service tackles health inequalities, targeting disadvantaged communities by providing free and confidential support to encourage people to make lifestyle changes to improve their health.

Social prescribing health trainers work within GP practices in south and west Bradford and offer a service for people who may be referred by their GP for support with lifestyle issues.

Health trainers can support their clients with sessions in weight management and getting fit, social isolation and healthy eating.

Janet Williams, team leader for the health trainer and social prescribing service, at NHS Bradford and Airedale, said: “We have had some great success in addressing health inequalities and helping people with their lifestyle needs.

“We’ve had some fantastic results with our clients, helping them to lose weight and build their confidence, as well as supporting them with other issues that they may have.”

For more information or to make an appointment, contact the health centre helpline on (01274) 777527.

CASE STUDY

Steven Summers, 24, wanted support to lose weight, exercise and eat healthily, so he turned to the NHS health trainer service to help him get his life back on track.

In the past, lack of confidence, family and money issues had prevented him from achieving his aims. Heavy drinking was affecting his judgement around food and, with being the sole carer for his grandma, he barely had any free time to take part in activities outside home.

The health trainer service helped him to look at the calories in food and drink and explore new recipes.

Mr Summers, of Intake Terrace, Fagley – pictured with health trainer Nageena Khan – was eligible to claim a Passport to Leisure – a Council scheme that entitles people to a discount on health and wellbeing activities. He trained to be a walk leader, attended cook and eat sessions and volunteered at a community centre.

He said: “The health trainer service has changed my life and helped me to live a happier and healthier lifestyle. I’ve learnt how to eat healthily and it has made me determined to exercise regularly.”

With a weight loss of nearly three stone, Mr Summers has achieved his ultimate goal.

“I’m a totally different person now. I feel more in control of my own life,” he said. “Losing weight has helped me to build the confidence to change other issues in my life as well.”