'Active Forever' is Lincs Inspire's health and wellness programme, helping to make positive lifestyle changes that can lead to lower medication, less pain and an increased quality of life.

The specialist scheme leads to improved physical and mental wellbeing helping to manage symptoms, prepare for surgery or rehabilitate from surgery.

About Active Forever

Our friendly and specialist staff guide members through the 12-week wellness programme, where small changes can make a big difference.

Two activities are recommended per week and we work closely with members to ensure these are suited to their abilities and needs. Activities can include:

• Use of power-assisted therapy equipment in the Wellness Hub.
• Gym sessions in any of our four gyms
• Use of specialist adapted gym equipment at Grimsby Health & Wellbeing Centre.
• Swimming at any of our three pools.
• Exercise classes across any of our four leisure sites.
• Healthy Weight Management sessions.
• Fitness sessions in the community, such as Tai Chi, Kurling and Low Impact Zumba
• Reading Well supported by Lincs Inspire Libraries

Eligibility

Active Forever is available to all residents over the age of 18 who are living with a health condition, preparing for surgery, or undergoing rehabilitation.

Access on to the programme is via a referral from a health professional such as GP, practice nurse, health trainer or physiotherapist.

Speak directly to a health professional or express an interest to our team.

Lincs Inspire Limited is a local charity, proud to operate the Wellness Hub within the Grimsby Health & Wellbeing Centre.

This facility helps our most vulnerable residents to become more active and retain their independence, alongside managing either a long-term health condition/disability or age related mobility issues.

The Hub is home to our ‘Active Forever’ wellbeing programme where participants are referred by a medical professional to undertake a 12-week assisted exercise programme, tailored to their individual needs.

When managing pain, or dealing with mental health problems, it can often be very difficult to find the right type of exercise, especially when people are not used to regular physical activity.

The programme includes use of the latest power-assisted therapy equipment and currently costs £60 for the 12 week programme.

After learning about the life-changing work taking place in the Wellness Hub, founding member of the O’Flynn Foundation, Jayne O’Flynn, pledged to provide funds to assist those residents in need of support to access the Hub and the services it provides.

The O’Flynn Foundation is committed to putting people’s lives back on track, with a special interest in supporting people who have been affected by a Stroke, neurological condition or debilitated through poor mental health.

Where cost is a barrier to participation, and with great sensitivity, Jayne’s Foundation has and continues to step in and support local residents.

Impact:

Jayne regularly requests meetings with those members supported by her Foundation. She listens to their stories with interest and empathy, taking note of their challenges and goals, and pledges her continued support where feasible.

One of our participants shared his story with Jayne as follows:

David is a 62 year old gentleman whose life has been severely impacted by poor mental health. During covid David was at his lowest mentally and had considered self-harming on several occasions.

For David, ‘life was a drudge’. His doctor referred him to Lincs Inspire’s Active Forever programme. After completing the 12-week programme (externally funded as part of a government recovery programme for residents affected by the pandemic), David was able to receive further support to continue his wellbeing journey through the O’Flynn Foundation.

“With help from my doctors I have slowly recovered from the low point in my life and during my time on this course it has lifted my spirits beyond my greatest expectations. I’ve gone from strength to strength. The power assisted machines are excellent, and I’ve learnt about them and how they help you.

“After years of no exercise, one day when using the seated machines, I could feel my muscles working again. My muscles were saying ‘hi!’. It was a wonderful feeling. 

“I’ve had a fear of gyms all my life and stayed away as I feel they were for young people, those who are physically fit. But I feel really at home here. We’ve all got our problems, but when you’re here you don’t feel alone. The people here are wonderful. I can talk to people – it’s not just the physical benefits, it has an impact on my mental health, too. I feel much more confident in myself.

“You hear how exercise can lift you, but until you do it you don’t know how true that really is. I feel so much more positive, and I cannot thank everyone enough for their support and encouragement. It is changing my life and I look forward to a brighter future. I thank the O’Flynn Foundation for letting me continue my journey.” 

In Jayne’s own words ``When someone is living with mental health it affects everyone around them. I have experienced this in my family and my Foundation is about being able to help people and give them the will to be happy. The purpose is to put someone’s life back on track.”

Summary

The O'Flynn Foundation's philosophy is: "To Feel, To Touch, To See". Jayne's compassionate manner exudes these principles, and she is dedicated to making a positive impact on people's lives. Her genuine care and commitment shines through in every interaction.

The O’Flynn Foundation also works incredibly hard to raise awareness and raise funds to support our community, and with continued cost of living challenges, so many of our most vulnerable residents need the additional support the Foundation provides. We work together to explore and unlock opportunities to provide access to assisted exercise for those that need it most. The Foundation’s support has and is assisting around 100 local residents, and knowing Jayne’s determination, this support will continue and grow.

We are proud to call the O’Flynn Foundation our partner. 

With all our good wishes, 

For and on behalf of Lincs Inspire Limited. 

Sue Wells 

Chief Executive