Pennine Mencap & Scott’s Lifestyle Achievement

Scott Needham is an inspirational gentleman in the community who promotes healthier lifestyles to other people with disabilities in the area. Scott attends Pennine Mencap, a local charity which supports and provides opportunities for people with learning disabilities and other complex needs in the community. We want to share his story about reaching new milestones and his “can-do” attitude towards healthier wellbeing.

The gym at Pennine Mencap has a variety of modern equipment and facilities. There are plenty of service users who come in and make using the gym part of their weekly routine. Having access to a gym/workout is increasingly important to people with learning disabilities in the area, as it allows them to have equal access to making changes in their lifestyle for their well-being outcomes.

An unfortunate statistic is that people with learning disabilities are much more at risk of encountering problems with their weight, as well as being unable to lose weight. (NHS England) Scott is a gentleman who has previously encountered difficulties with his weight and being able to manage this. It was making him more prone to illness and was generally affecting his overall well-being. Scott was faced with two options: carry on like he had done before and take on those risks, or make positive changes in hopes that it would pay off.

Fortunately, Scott chose the second option and began accessing the facilities that were on offer at Pennine Mencap. He made regular trips to the gym and became a professional at using different equipment. Scott was engaging with the plan of increasing the number of calories burned each session at the gym, as well as making swaps in his diet.

These changes helped Scott to lose weight and become a healthier, more active version of himself.

Scott’s dad, Stuart, spoke about the role the charity has had in supporting Scott: “When organizations offer support, it makes it a lot easier to help make positive changes.” These words help to encapsulate the true importance of people in the community having proper access to these facilities, as it provides a space for achievement and self-improvement.

Another important statement that was shared was the gratitude towards Elliot and the rest of the members of staff at Pennine Mencap for opening their facilities to individuals such as Scott, and its importance in promoting a healthy journey, and the benefits of making positive lifestyle changes.