Simon Watkinson’s story epitomises putting people above profit. Through Edinburgh Leisure’s Healthy Active Minds programme, free, personalised support helped him move from isolation, anxiety and burnout to improved wellbeing, volunteering, professional qualification and paid employment.
His journey demonstrates sustained positive impact, his commitment to continuing his progress, the importance of trusting relationships with staff and volunteers, and the life-changing value of investing in people at the right time.
When Jon Wood learned that his infant son Archie would need a liver transplant, he faced one of the biggest challenges of his life. Jon understood the physical and mental demands that lay ahead and knew he had to make major changes to ensure he was in the best possible condition for the operation and what would follow.
Inspired by the support they have received from Craig Maclean Leisure Centre, Jon, his wife Anna and Archie have recently taken part in British Transplant Games, raising funds for King’s College Hospital while helping raise awareness of organ donation and its lifesaving impact.
Nine years ago, Bob experienced a nervous breakdown and survived three suicide attempts. The impact on his mental health left him unable to work. He was later diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure and reached 21 stone. Fearing a heart attack or stroke, Bob joined Michael Woods Sports and Leisure Centre and committed to changing his life.
Through exercise, running and changes to his diet, Bob lost more than 9 stone, put his diabetes into remission and brought his blood pressure under control. His sleep and mental clarity improved. He has recovered from sepsis, heart failure and pneumonia. Doctors told him his fitness was critical to his survival.
Three years after suffering a life-changing stroke that left her unable to walk and with limited movement down one side of her body, Teesside grandmother JoJo Wynne has regained confidence, improved mobility and a renewed sense of independence through regular aqua sessions at Tees Active’s IB Leisure Centre.
The positive impact reaches beyond physical recovery. Swimming has significantly improved JoJo’s mental wellbeing, confidence and social connection, helping her feel more like herself again after the stroke. Her story has become a powerful example of how accessible community leisure services can support rehabilitation, reduce isolation and improve quality of life.
