FIT FANS with Bolton Wanderers in the Community provides participants with incentive and guidance towards a healthier lifestyle.

Pete had joined the FIT TROTTERS programme after hearing of his brothers results on a previous cohort. The pandemic had brought about a change in circumstances that saw Pete take on some carer responsibilities to his partner’s stepbrother after they sadly lost both their mother and father through COVID-19. He then had his own personal health, and wellbeing worries but also Stephen’s.

Transitioning out of the pandemic caused him to become aware of the weight had had put on as his daily activity had decreased due to homeworking.  Although, he knew change was needed, he was lost with no sense of direction on where or how to start.

For most, change comes with an overriding emotion of fear and apprehension and that was very much the case for FIT TROTTTERS participants Darren, Stephen and Pete.

However, the camaraderie of the group and the work of staff members, Jack and Tom, they were all soon made to feel part of a wider family, all trying to achieve the same goals.

Pete said: “Jack, Tom and the participants there on day 1 really did break the ice and include us both. As I said with Stephen’s learning disabilities it was really daunting and scary but right from the first minute, we were both made to feel welcome and more importantly included.”

The sense of belonging has continued long after the 12-week course had finished with all still being included in social groups via Facebook and WhatsApp to allow them to continue the friendships that had blossomed on the course, all whilst still encouraging each other to keep up their lifestyle changes.

The FIT FANS programme aims to transform the lives of previously inactive people, helping them to change their eating and drinking habits, while losing weight and improving their health in a safe and sustainable way.

Average weight loss statistics for the FIT FANS programme are impressive and exceed those of many other programmes. On average women lose well over 3kg and men over 5.5kg by the end of the 12 weeks. We also have evidence that lifestyle change, and weight loss are sustained over the following 12 months. More than 90% of men and 85% of women lose weight during the programme with many losing a clinically significant amount. Our data shows FIT FANS helps people to increase physical activity, and reduce sedentary time, leading to weight loss, a significant reduction in reduction in blood pressure, and improvement in self-reported mental wellbeing measures.

Darren, much like Pete knew he needed to address his weight gain over the past year but never planned any actions to do so until his friend asked him to accompany him on the FIT TROTTERS course.

He also echoed Pete’s thoughts on the support of the group: “Whilst it was by no means competitive being part of a group who all have the same aims helps to drive you along and to be there to support and drive forward your fellow participants. I have loved every minute of it.”

Having successfully completed the course, all three lost over 11kgs each but the trio also credit the course for its educational elements that they have implemented to not only help their physical health but general wellbeing too.

Darren explained: “I’m now more knowledgeable of the right type of foods to eat and portion control. It got me out walking regularly which helped bring down the weight and blood pressure and meeting new friends. I would recommend it to anyone from a general wellbeing point of view.”

Pete said: “The new friends and people to talk to for Stephen is huge, his confidence has grown and his willingness to participate also. From choosing to sit on a reception desk for three days at his day care to doing sport, art and gardening, he would not have made that choice a year ago. I doubt many people will understand the impact that has had on the lad.”

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