“I’m fitter and stronger. I’ve also noticed my blood pressure has come down a bit, and I’ve been trying to lose weight as well and it’s actually helped me lose weight. So, I’ve had a really good weight loss journey to date and lost over a stone (in the 6 weeks), which I’m delighted with.”

“It’s easier (coming to a leisure centre for sessions). I mean, there are lots of people buzzing in and out, so you don’t feel like you’re sitting in a ward or something. It was, very good. I had no problem at all. Plenty of parking as well, which is wonderful.”

“I would say really give it a go. You will not feel like the odd one out. Everyone there has their own little problems, but much the same in a different part of the body, maybe. You know, they’ve all got to work on it in an individual way, and that’s what the course really did. It took on board each individual’s needs, and that’s where I found it a real help.”

“I heard about the Escape Pain programme through a referral from the physiotherapist. I was looking for help on managing my knee pain and osteoarthritis and she suggested signing up to the group.”

“I thought the course content was really, really informative and educational. Each session began with a short friendly discussion that covered different subjects, topics about joint pain, healthy habits, pacing and staying positive. These conversations helped me to understand what was happening with my joints and how to manage the pain better. And it also gave me practical tools for day-to-day self-management that I could use straight away, both physically and mentally.”

“The course actually exceeded my expectations. I didn’t realise how much of a difference the educational side and the exercises would actually make (to pain levels). It really made me realise that I could actually help to manage my pain through exercise myself. At the end of the six weeks, I also felt more confident, more active, and far better equipped to keep exercising safely on my own.”

“Attending the course at the community leisure centre, instead of a clinic setting actually makes the whole experience more positive and normal.”