For Lauren Woolgar, everyday life consists of challenges that most people will never experience.

Since birth, a rare genetic disorder prevented Woolgar from taking part in many activities – undermining both her lifestyle and her confidence.

Ten months ago, however, Woolgar watched her life change overnight, when she accepted a Green Prescription from her GP.

Across the Greater Christchurch, Canterbury and West Coast region, the Green Prescription service is delivered by Sport Canterbury’s team of Physical Health Advisors. It is available to those new and returning to physical activity, including those suffering chronic conditions.

“They’ve actually listened to me, and they’ve tried to find healthy options. They’ve looked into different programmes to help me – from Tai Chi and aquajogging to setting up a home-based exercise circuit. They also taught me how to do weights properly.”

Woolgar emphasises that the approach taken by Physical Health Advisors Steve Gettings and Roisin Ellis made all the difference to her confidence. 

“I’m a lot more confident to go to the gym on my own if I want to, or go swim alone if I want to.”

Through the programme, she met new groups doing different activities and enjoys this social aspect as well.

“I met like-minded people, and we still meet up every Thursday for aqua jogging.”

The programme had originally been mentioned to Woolgar by her cousin earlier this year – she insists that she would recommend the Green Prescription experience to others.

“I’m a lot more aware of what my body can and cannot do. I’m a lot more aware of when to stop and not stop.”

The programme has enabled Woolgar, for the first time, to build fitness while mitigating her genetic risk of dislocating bones during exercise. She says the benefits, however, impact her mind as much as her body – thanks to the dedicated team from Sport Canterbury.

“I think it’s helpful for mental health as well as physical. They’re really encouraging, but not in a pushy way. You can tell it comes from a place of caring.

“It was really nice not being judged, just being welcomed.”

For more information on Sport Canterbury's Green Prescription programme, please contact 03 373 5060.