Vyonne Watt appreciates the value of social connections to physical and mental health. 

Last year, Vyonne  accepted a Green Prescription from the physiotherapist at Ashburton Hospital, following a hip replacement.

The Green Prescription given to Vyonne provided her with the key to form social connections and feel at home in her close-knit community.

Mid-Canterbury based Watt has lived in Ashburton for four and a half years with her husband and cat but struggled to meet people due to a lack of confidence.

“I would walk down the street and have nobody to say hello to. It was really starting to get me down,” says Watt.

Life began to change for Vyonne, however, through a referral to Mid Canterbury’s Green Prescription service from her hospital physiotherapist, following a hip replacement last year.

She met Mid Canterbury Healthy Lifestyle Advisor, Aimee Cosgrove, who stepped in and Vyonne pushed herself to “be brave.”

According to Aimee: “Vyonne’s referral said that she was not interested in any group activities, and at our initial consultation, we discussed why she didn’t want to be involved in groups. It was due to feeling anxious about being in these groups.”

“We discussed it further and decided that a walking group would be fantastic, and to give Tai Chi a go as well,” adds Cosgrove.

Vyonne went home from the consult and rang both leaders that afternoon to book herself in. 

She attended the next available session for both classes and has not missed a day since.

“Both groups of ladies at each class made me feel so welcome, they were so nice – it made me wish I had come along earlier. I made myself be brave and haven’t looked back – I look forward to going to these sessions each week.

“I’ve never been a walker, and we walk for an hour each week, but with company and a chat on the way round it makes it fun,” she adds.

Vyonne is so much happier in herself, and loves having social interaction and meeting other ladies. Overall, her health has improved, and she is feeling positive about her new routine.

Her advice for others who are also struggling is simple:

“Don’t hesitate – be brave and join something.”

Fill out a 'self referral' form to get a Green Prescription - Click here 

Join the Green Prescription facebook group - Click here 

Article added: Friday 21 May 2021