Physically fit, mentally strong
RAMH were delighted to continue their partnership with the Health and Fitness Students from West College Scotland again this year.
The college deliver a 12 week 1:1 personal training programme for RAMH clients. This is part of the students course content and they benefit from working with a client base that allows them real life experiences and scenarios. After an initial meeting with their clients and understanding their needs and goals the students develop a programme specifically for that client and work alongside them in the gym to achieve these targets. They also offer additional information on diet and nutrition while working together each week.
The RAMH clients who are identified for the programme have indicated they believe physical activity support would help sustain and improve their mental health. Some are making a return to exercise where some are taking their first steps into regular physical exercise in a gym setting, which they potentially may not have been able to achieve on their own.
There are well documented links between mental and physical health and the feedback from previous participants of this course show how regular exercise can really support people on their recovery journey.
The partnership between RAMH and WCS is now in its 9 th year and has continued to benefit both students and service users in achieving their goals!
Graham Cossar (RAMH information worker) who set up the programme back in 2017 with WCS lecturer Linda Boal explains ” The partnership was set up back in 2017 as the college wanted their students to experience working with real life clients for their personal training module. RAMH were then able to offer people an introduction to physical activity and the gym setting in a safe controlled way and give them the benefit of tailored sessions to meet their needs and remove any perceived barriers to participation. The programme over the years has introduced countless people to regular exercise, it has also highlighted to students local mental health supports and allowed them the opportunity to be part of someone’s recovery journey.
RAMH and WCS have developed a working relationship that hugely benefits both parties and is a perfect example of strong partnership working”.
