ActivAgeing Community Development Officer

Although I have never excelled at any sport or discipline -I have always enjoyed keeping fit and active. Over the years my enthusiasm has helped to motivate and influence a lot of the people I have come across in my career to make positive lifestyle choices. I like inspiring people to overcome barriers and to see their confidence grow!

I started my career in the fitness industry at 17, completing a fitness instructor apprenticeship with Ipswich Borough Council. During my time working at Ipswich Borough Council I became involved in Adult Weight Management working in partnership with what was LiveWell Suffolk- and we managed to achieve a record weight loss of over 100kg collectively as a group. This spurred me onwards and since then I have worked in both the private and public sector in various roles related to Sports and Fitness or Health and Wellbeing.

Up until recently I worked at the NHS for the Physiotherapy services in Pulmonary Rehabilitation, which made me realise that I particularly enjoyed helping older adults get more active, despite the challenges of long-term health conditions. During my time working at the NHS, I returned to college to complete my Level 3 GP Exercise Referral qualification and my independent/chair based older adult.

Following this I started to work for ActivLives as a freelance instructor initially. During my time working for ActivLives as a freelance instructor I was greatly impressed by the fantastic work they do and I wanted to become even more involved with the charity. I saw my opportunity when a post became available in early 2023  and I left the NHS to become an ActivAgeing Officer, which is my new role. I absolutely love the work I do- it is rewarding to help all sorts of people reap the benefits of a more active and healthy lifestyle.