Family backs Veronica all the way!

Veronica Wilkinson from Hemlington in Middlesbrough is reassured that her move towards a healthier lifestyle by joining the New Life New You programme has the support and encouragement of her family and friends.

New Life New You is a partnership between Middlesbrough PCT and Middlesbrough Council and is aimed at 45 to 65 year olds in Middlesbrough who want to get fitter and live a healthier lifestyle. The programme is supported by Sport England and Tees Valley Sport. Pictured is a dance session at the New Life New You open event earlier in August.

Veronica, who has suffered from arthritis for the past 12 years, wanted to find an activity which would allow her to go at her own pace. Following a knee replacement she was told the best medicine was to keep active so the New Life New You programme has proved ideal.

Veronica is now in the eight week of the ten week programme which she has been attending with her good friend Christine. Veronica said: “I’m really enjoying myself at the moment trying out new things and the other people on the course are just so much fun to be around – we’re all having a great time.”

Veronica’s family have been behind her 100% - son Andrew, 33 works offshore in the Shetlands and Claire, 28, is a beauty therapist and Veronica has a grandson Owen aged 6. Claire talks about her mum’s achievements: “We all think it’s great that mum has decided to take part in such a course. Her knee replacement and arthritis has stopped her from being as mobile as she used to be.

“When I heard she was going to try out New Life New You I gave her all the encouragement and support she needed. It’s been wonderful to see her get going again!”

Veronica has also found the cookery lessons particularly interesting and has put the Easy Line circuit training high up on her list of favourite activities alongside walks at the coast at Saltburn and around Stewart Park in Middlesbrough.

Veronica has some encouraging words for people considering taking up the New Life New You challenge: “Just give it a try, you might be surprised with what you can achieve – you’ve got nothing to lose and everything to gain.”

Project Manager Will Smith added: “Anyone can reap the benefits of a healthier lifestyle which in turn can help prevent conditions like type 2 diabetes and ease the pain of long-term conditions like arthritis. All we ask is that people take a look at the programme as it could be a life-changing decision.”

The New Life New You Team

The New Life New You team - Jenny Archer and Craig Postgate are convinced that participants on the programme like Teresa will see great benefits to their health and well-being.

Jenny explained: “The programme is for everyone, no matter how active or even inactive you are. Our attitude is that prevention is better than cure and if we can stop people getting illnesses like Type 2 Diabetes and heart disease then the changes they have made in the lives have been worth it!”

Jenny and Craig have worked hard to make sure the programme is as welcoming and friendly as possible and want to quash the myths that exercise is just for Lycra-wearing ultra fit people!

If you don’t want to go along on your own there’s a buddy scheme where people are matched with someone currently on the programme or people who have already enjoyed the benefits of the scheme.

What to find out more?

Give Jenny or Craig a call on – 01642 515 601 or email them at newlifenewyou@middlesbrough.gov.uk