News
News
Sport for Confidence expands its Long Covid pathway into Suffolk
In response to the success of Sport for Confidence ’ s Long Covid pathway , launched in October 2022 in partnership with the East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust , the programme delivery is to be extended beyond Essex into the neighbouring county of Suffolk .
According to the Office for National Statistics there are an estimated 1.9 million people , representing 2.9 per cent of the population , living with self-reported Long Covid . Most common symptoms include fatigue , cognitive issues , anxiety and depression .
Sarah Fowler , Co-Clinical Lead , Suffolk and North East Essex Long Covid Assessment Service , explains : ‘ Long Covid is a complex condition , which typically presents as a cluster of symptoms that can change and recur unpredictably over time . Symptoms vary from person to person , meaning treatment and support needs to be flexible , easy to access and person-centred .
‘ This is exactly the model Sport for Confidence has created in Essex and will now roll out in Suffolk .’
Established to support and facilitate the recovery of people experiencing Long Covid through swift referral and access to occupational therapists , the pathway first launched in Colchester at the Colchester Leisure World in October 2022 , and then extended to Clacton with Clacton Leisure Centre as host venue .
Since the pathway launched , Sport for Confidence has supported more than 70 individuals , with outcomes measured through participant surveys six weeks into the programme and on competition at 12 weeks .
Participants have demonstrated an average 22 % increase in perceived health and wellbeing after taking part in the pathway . In addition , participants have expressed an improvement in the presentation and impact of symptoms they are experiencing such as reduced fatigue and breathlessness .
This has resulted in participants being able to return to work , engage in increased levels of physical activity and take part in more social interactions .
Jamie Squires , Occupational Therapist at Sport for Confidence , says : ‘ This pathway recognises everyone ’ s experience of Long Covid is different , creating a fully supported , unique recovery journey for every participant .
‘ Once referred , every participant completes a one-to-one assessment with a Sport for Confidence occupational therapist . This is used
This pathway recognises everyone ’ s experience of Long Covid is different , creating a fully supported , unique recovery journey for every participant .”
to determine an appropriate intervention route which may include educational sessions , physical activity sessions , clinical referral or a mix of all options . Every case is different , so every pathway is unique .
‘ Also , the service provision provides an alternative to assessment and support traditionally offered in clinical environments . Service provision within local leisure centres integrates people back into their local communities , whilst also providing the clinical expertise that they need .’
Based on the success of the pathway in Essex , the East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust has now funded the extension of the program into Suffolk . Sport for Confidence continues as delivery partner , working out of the Gainsborough Sports Centre in Ipswich , owned and managed by Ipswich Borough Council and the Mid Suffolk Leisure Centre in Stowmarket , owned by Suffolk County Council , managed by Everyone Active .
The pathway will welcome its first participant cohort in March 2024 . Following the protocol in Essex , participants will be referred through the Suffolk and North East Essex Long Covid Assessment Service .
To learn more about the Long Covid pathway and the other work carried out by Sport for Confidence , visit https :// bit . ly / 4bgcI6u .
February 2024 OTnews 11