A Hebburn mum who became housebound after years of health struggles has credited an NHS-referred aquafit programme with transforming her life and helping her return to work. Amy Mercer, 40, a mother of three, faced constant pain, frequent falls, and the challenge of living with a stoma, which led her to give up her job as a trainee chef 14 years ago.
From housebound to hopeful
Amy said she had stopped doing many activities she once enjoyed because of self-consciousness and a loss of confidence. However, three months ago, she was referred through the NHS Work Well programme to an Aqua Circuit class specifically designed to support people with health barriers. The programme has been life-changing for Amy, who is now set to start a job as a care home cooking assistant.
“After 14 years out of work because of my health, I’d lost my confidence and become housebound. Living with a stoma made me so self-conscious that I stopped doing the things I loved. This programme has given me my confidence back,” Amy said. “Being in the water has got me moving again, I’m in less pain and I finally feel like myself again. Meeting people each week has made such a difference to my mental health too.”
NHS WorkWell programme
The Aqua Circuit class is one of several services supported by the NHS WorkWell programme, which has £30 million of funding in the North East region to provide health and wellbeing support aimed at helping people return to work. The programme also offers specific support for mental health, gynaecological, and musculoskeletal problems.
Dr Martin Weatherhead, a Sunderland GP who helped design the WorkWell programme, said: “Having a job, a steady income and feeling connected are good for our health. In our region, one person in five has a health condition that affects their ability to work. That’s why we are working so hard to offer the kind of practical support that can improve health, feel better and stay in or return to work. Amy’s story shows how practical, community-based support can transform people’s lives, improving their health while taking positive steps towards staying in or returning to work.”
Community and council collaboration
The WorkWell scheme involves collaboration between the NHS, local authorities, and the voluntary sector. South Tyneside Council’s exercise practitioners lead the Aqua Circuit sessions that helped Amy. Tom Hall, South Tyneside’s director of public health, said: “We know that poor health can be a significant barrier to employment and independence. Amy’s story is a wonderful example of how improving health and wellbeing with the right support can open the door to new opportunities and transform lives. We’re proud to be delivering the newly-designed Aqua Circuit programme and are delighted to hear of the improvements, including reduced levels of pain, better sleep and more confidence, experienced by the participants.”
Amy also received support from the social enterprise Northern Rights, which helps people work towards employment. Members of the public can find out about WorkWell at their GP practice or through other local organisations including Jobcentres.
