County Durham man, Carl Senior lost 1.5 stone in weight and felt the benefits in his physical and mental wellbeing thanks to support from the Wellbeing for Life (WBFL) Eatwise programme.
Healthcare Assistant Carl has multiple health issues including Long Covid and Obstructive Sleep Apnoea and, after having difficulties throughout 2023, was diagnosed with Arterial Fibrillation and Pulmonary Embolisms in November. Following a course of successful treatment and continuing medication, Carl’s health improved, however this and some family bereavement left him feeling isolated and inactive.
Carl said: “It has been a very difficult time for me, losing two close family members and the struggle with my health has really affected my mental health. It got to the point where I’d get up late each day, not move around much and hardly ever went out. I felt isolated and irritable, and I really missed working. I wanted to get physically well again and for me, it was taking too long. My GP gave me some options to help me lose weight and improve my overall health and these were medication, gastric surgery or the Eatwise programme with WBFL. I chose WBFL.”
As Carl lives with Dyspraxia and Dyslexia which makes mixing with groups outside his social circle quite a challenge, he attended his sessions on a one-to-one basis with Practitioner Kevin Howe.
Kevin said: “After six weeks of the programme, I was determined to support Carl to get involved in some group sessions so invited him along to the Gentle Circuit exercise sessions at Neville Parade Community Centre in Newton Aycliffe. He was initially reluctant because of the group setting, but encouraged by the fact that I would be a familiar face there, he took the plunge and joined.”
Carl said: “That was a turning point for me. I was so nervous at first but was made to feel very welcome and wasn’t pushed outside of my comfort zone; I think I just sat and watched throughout the first session! Each week, Kevin supported and encouraged me to do just a little bit more. At first I did all the exercises sat down, now I can do a full circuit on my feet and, if I feel up to it, I do some more sat down. Kevin has supported me and worked with my specific abilities and disabilities. He’s got a positive attitude; he listens to what I’ve got to say and personalises the workout for me - everything is broken down into achievable steps.
“Before I started with WBFL, I couldn’t walk up the stairs without getting out of breath, I definitely couldn’t walk and talk at the same time, housework was out of the question, and I even struggled with washing and dressing myself. This journey hasn’t been about numbers for me, I was too embarrassed to get onto the scales at first. It’s about my quality of life - not only can I do the housework now, I enjoy doing some of my exercises while I’m doing it - I try not to sit still for too long - even while I’m waiting for the kettle to boil! “Having said that, I’ve now lost 1.5 stone in weight, I understand much more about food and its contents (fats and sugars) and the effect they have on my body and my confidence has increased.”
Lindsey Wood, Wellbeing for Life Manager said: “Eatwise is a free eight-week healthy eating programme. Each session includes a variety of subjects which support clients to make healthy lifestyle changes. These could include long term lifestyle change, Eatwell guide and portion control, understanding fats, sugars and salts, food labelling, savvy shopping, physical activity and fluids. Clients work each week with a Wellbeing for Life Practitioner, are weighed (if they’re comfortable with that), review their food diary and discuss practical and individually tailored advice and support - they’re encouraged all the way.”
Kevin commented: “The difference in Carl since January is remarkable. To see him walk in today full of confidence and not out of breath is so fulfilling. This is just the start for Carl, he is only going to continue to improve. The Eatwise programme isn’t about a quick weight loss fix, it’s a long-term lifestyle change that hands power back to the client to maintain the change even once the programme has finished. Not only has Carl done really well, but he’s also now inspiring others to join the programme.”
Carl said: “I’m proud of what I’ve achieved. Some days when I really didn’t want to get out of bed and go to the sessions, I did. I stayed disciplined and I felt better for it. It you want something to change, the support is there for you, you just have to engage and commit.”
Carl has had to leave work due to health reasons and the physical demands of his role but is now working hard to improve his health to enable him to return to his career - and he’s really looking forward to it. In the meantime, he’s considering voluntary work to keep himself busy.
Visit the Wellbeing for Life website for more information about the Eatwise programme or email cdda-tr.WBFL@nhs.net / call 0800 8766 887.
The Pioneering Care Partnership delivers WBFL with County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust.
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