High Life Highland is working with Versus Arthritis, the UK’s largest charity dedicated to supporting people with arthritis, to regularly deliver a six-week programme called ESCAPE-pain.
The ESCAPE-pain programme, supported by Orthopaedic Research UK, aims to deliver an active programme specifically for participants with chronic joint pain or osteoarthritis, with the fundamental goal of increasing physical function and improving overall quality of life.
High Life Highland have been awarded ‘site of the month’ for July 2023 by Orthopaedic Research UK.
Lynn Bauermeister, High Life Highland’s Head of Health and Wellbeing, shared: “It’s fantastic that High Life Highland has been recognised and chosen as ‘site of the month’ for the ESCAPE-pain programme.
“Health improvement and health promotion are fundamental parts of what High Life Highland delivers in Highland communities and the ESCAPE-pain programme is a brilliant example of how the charity can help people to improve their health.
“The ESCAPE-pain programme is delivered by our specialist team of Tutor Coaches who ensure that the activities are individually tailored to meet people’s specific needs in each class.”
Eilidh MacLean, High Life Highland’s Activity Development Officer, added: “Since High Life Highland introduced the program two years ago, it has been a privilege to work closely with people whose quality of life has visibly increased as a direct result of their attendance to the sessions.
“Having this impact recognised by Orthopaedic Research UK in the form of a ‘site of the month’ award means a lot to myself and colleagues who put their all into ensuring every attendee benefits from the six-week programme.”
An attendee of the ESCAPE-pain programme anonymously said: “I found this course informative, very beneficial to my health and wellbeing, and I would encourage others to give it a go.
“The physio was very impressed with my pre-operation preparations, as I am already able to do most of the exercises – thanks to the ESCAPE-pain programme.”
Steve Walsh, High Life Highland’s Chief Executive, concluded: “High Life Highland is so pleased to be delivering, and receive an award from Orthopaedic Research UK, for the ESCAPE-pain programme.
“As a charity whose fundamental aim is ‘making life better’, it is heart-warming to see the direct positive impact that delivering programmes such as ESCAPE-pain has on Highland residents.”
Participants can self-refer into the programme by contacting their nearest participating site.
Currently, High Life Highland offer the ESCAPE-pain programme at three sites: Inverness Leisure, Tain Royal Academy Community Complex (TRACC), and The Fingal Centre in Skye.
