Jen’s journey with Edinburgh Leisure began following a life-changing health event. After a seizure linked to epilepsy, she experienced a serious fall and temporarily lost her mobility.
“I had to learn how to walk again – from going home to the Zimmer, to two sticks – this is when I joined Steady Steps.” Jen joined a Steady Steps class (the programme that has since evolved into what is now known as Balanced Life) and completed 32 weeks of supported activity.
“I did 32 weeks in total and the difference it made was amazing. I did not know if I was going to walk again, never mind anything else.”
Jen went on to not only gain full mobility but to support the teaching of the classes by becoming a volunteer for Balance Life.
Inspired by her recovery and the impact of the programme, Jen decided to give back and began volunteering just two months after completing her course, she’s now in her tenth year volunteering.
Volunteering within Balanced Life sessions, Jen supports weekly classes alongside the instructor, helping to create a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment.
Her role includes:
• Supporting participants with exercises and equipment
• Providing reassurance to those who feel nervous or lack confidence
• Encouraging participation and engagement
• Supporting session delivery and social interaction
“I am there to support people to feel safe and welcomed… a big part of my role is to make people relax and feel comfortable.” Says Jen.
Sessions combine physical activity with social and cognitive elements.
“Michael will do a quiz while people are exercising… it makes the session fun rather than hard work – people forget they are exercising.”
Jen’s lived experience enables her to connect with participants and motivate them to continue, particularly during the early stages. “After two or three weeks some people want to leave because they do not see the difference, but I tell my story and tell them the improvements I see that maybe they do not.” Her encouragement helps participants build confidence, maintain attendance and recognise their progress.
One example demonstrates the supportive environment created within the sessions: “One woman in her late 80s was initially so anxious she would only attend if her daughter stayed. Within weeks, she felt confident enough to take part.”
Showing how comfortable and safe she now felt, with increased confidence, independence and trust developed through the programme and Jen as a supportive volunteer.
From being unable to walk to returning to a lifelong love of riding horses Volunteering has had a significant and sustained impact on Jen’s health and wellbeing.
“Volunteering makes me feel that I am helping people that have helped me.”
Key outcomes include:
• Improved and maintained physical health through continued activity
• Increased confidence and independence
• Strong social connections and friendships
• Improved mental wellbeing and sense of purpose
“It keeps my mind active and keeps me happy because I am helping people.”
Jen has also regained confidence beyond the programme, enabling her to return to a lifelong passion.
“I was a show jumper… but after my accident I felt I could not do anything.The confidence I had built up through volunteering supported me to do more… it’s taught me to persevere and literally get back on the horse.”
Jen continues to contribute to her local community beyond Balanced Life, including volunteering at a foodbank.
Her journey highlights the wider value of programmes like Steady Steps/Balanced Life in:
• Supporting long-term behaviour change
• Enabling peer-led encouragement and role modelling
• Reducing social isolation
• Increasing confidence and community participation
