About Ramona

RL, 52 from Cambridge a participant on the Autumn 2019 SHAPE programme shares her story.

‘I was referred to the SHAPE programme by the psychiatrist at Fulbourn Hospital. I found the sessions helpful in that they introduced me to new sports such as indoor climbing, bowls and yoga. I have now completed the SHAPE programme and am back at work but, I am continuing to stay active; cycling long distances twice a week and attending yoga sessions. I enjoyed the SHAPE sessions and stay in contact with one of the girls I met on the course. The programme also helped me to lose weight.’

What changed?

The first Cambridge City SHAPE programme was piloted in July 2017 using funding from the Let’s Get Moving Campaign.

These specialised sessions are for people who need to take antipsychotic medication which can increase their risk of developing Metabolic syndrome and other cardio-vascular diseases. Metabolic syndrome can contribute significantly to morbidity and premature mortality, so it is important that people using antipsychotic medication stay active and lead a healthy lifestyle.

SHAPE Cambridge provides free activity sessions to patients referred from Fulbourn Hospital, CAMEO and Locality Mental Health teams. During the 12-week programme participants are offered advice on nutrition and given other strategies for leading a healthy lifestyle as a way of offsetting their increased risk of developing Metabolic syndrome.

The difference

August 2019: RL is referred to SHAPE by her psychiatrist

September 2019: RL meets the SHAPE instructor for a 1:1 assessment and starts her first class

October 2019: She is still enjoying the programme

November 2019: RL returns to work

December 2019: RL is continuing to stay active and has lost weight.