Sport Canterbury’s Green Prescription service, which sends patients on pathways to wellness, is becoming well known for its graduates - who are creating new pathways themselves.
 

For a group of eastern Christchurch residents, getting a Green Prescription from their GP was a ticket to a new perspective. Their motivation was not about losing weight, or even overcoming a medical condition.

They enrolled in Sport Canterbury’s Green Prescription eight-week ‘Be Active’ course, sampling a wide range of local activities and meeting like-minded people.

According to 69-year-old Murray Hartland, “It’s something to look forward to every week and companionship. When you’re retired, it’s better than sitting around home all the time.”

By the time their eight-week course finished, the novelty of ‘not sitting around home’ had evolved into a habit – which is now a 3xweek tradition. The group is recognised with a warm welcome at the QEII front desk, and is almost famous for their consistency amongst the centre staff and lifeguards.

They begin with aqua jogging and continue to the hydrotherapy pool, finishing in the steamroom or sauna.

“Getting a Green Prescription is only a first step toward making lifestyle changes,” says Sport Canterbury Chief Executive Julyan Falloon. “Participants are given the tools, resources and support they need to identify opportunities in their own backyard. Beyond the eight-week ‘Be Active’ course, they can choose to continue with their interests, and follow links to local activities that our service provides.”

Murray and his aquajogging companions have been proactive with their choices. They recognised what they enjoyed – the activities as well as the social aspect.

“It’s an opportunity to get exercise and have a bit of a yarn and a laugh. And that’s what life’s all about.”

Tui Wilson is a very special member of this "graduate" group. She supports Sport Canterbury staff with new recruits – offering reassurance to those trying ‘Be Active’ programmes for the first time.

Murray remembers his own introduction – and his own sceptical start with the eight-week programme. “I must admit I was quite apprehensive when I started, thinking ‘What the heck have I gotten myself in for?’

“I met these folks and we’ve become friends.”

In the course of a week, the change Tui sees in each group of participants, from start to finish, fuels her motivation.

“Just seeing people when they first start, they’re a wee bit worried…and when they come out of it, they’re like one big happy family.

“Particularly the older people, it’s an opportunity to get exercise and have a bit of a yarn and a laugh. And that’s what life’s all about.”

Sport Canterbury's Be Active courses remain $3 per session, and participants sample a wide range of activities, from Tai Chi and Zumba to bowls and badminton, enjoying speakers and resources on nutrition and motivation.

Tui's own Green Prescription experience was positive, and she is determined to share her motivation with as many people as possible...at the pool and beyond.

“When you get up in the morning and see the sun coming up, you’ve just got to be thankful, because you don’t know what’s around the corner…and enjoy life while you can.”

For more information on Green Prescription and ‘Be Active’ programmes, please contact 03 373 5060 or 0800 ACTIVE.

Term 4 ‘Be Active’ programmes will commence week of 15 October.