UKSE funding bolsters business helping local patients get back on their feet following diagnosis.
A team of exercise specialists in Rotherham who help clients rebuild their physical fitness following a serious or long-term health condition diagnosis have expanded their business after receiving a grant from UK Steel Enterprise (UKSE).
Established earlier this year Active for Life Solutions is a non-for-profit organisation based in Eastwood Trading Estate in Rotherham which focuses on working with clients to tackle and overcome barriers through high-quality, effective and safe physical activity and exercise sessions.
The £500 Kickstart Grant from UKSE – an organisation which invests in businesses in those parts of the UK affected by the changes in the steel industry – has been used to help promote the new business and the services it provides; including producing printed materials and developing the company’s website.
Director Leon Wormley said: “I have worked as a personal trainer in Rotherham for the last six years and whilst there are some great gyms and places where people can go to work out, there weren’t any dedicated rehabilitation exercise classes available in the local area.
“Given the impact that physical activity can have on both a person’s mental and physical wellbeing and recovery, this seemed like a real gap in the market.
“We have expanded the business so we can work with clients who may have recently suffered from a stroke, a fall, cancer, lower back pain, MS, respiratory disease or other long-term health conditions who previously wouldn’t have had access to tailored exercise classes following their diagnosis.
“Our dedicated team work closely with Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council and the NHS to ensure we have the right skills and classes on offer to helps those most in need, we are in the process of developing classes which would help those with mental health conditions, disability and weight management”.
“The funding from UKSE has allowed us to market these services, and we are delighted to say we are already helping more local people improve their quality of life.”
The company, which now employs four trainers and support staff and hopes to further expand in the near future, is hosting a launch event in September which will present findings from the Rotherham Active for Health programme, which was impact assessed by Sheffield Hallam University, and reports of the benefits of exercise and the cost saving to the NHS.
Investment Manager at UKSE, Matthew Stewart added: “We are very pleased to be able to support such a significant business who provide invaluable services to the local area.
“We hope to see Active for Life Solutions thrive in the region and continue to help those in need by continually expanding their service offer. We hope their official launch event in September goes well and reaches those who are currently unaware of their offering.”
UKSE also provides loan and equity finance of up to £1m to existing companies which are growing, particularly those creating jobs.
