Next week is World Autism Acceptance Week, 28 March – 3 April 2022 and to celebrate, Solihull Council’s partners Everyone Active is shining a light on people who live with autism and sharing their inspirational stories. Working together we’re pleased to offer inclusive sports and leisure centres where everyone is welcome and ensure our friendly and supportive staff are always on hand to help, so everyone can enjoy using our wide range of facilities.
Lucy Hall is one of Everyone Active’s Shining Stars – and has won a month’s free membership at North Solihull Sports Centre after sharing her journey.
Lucy lives with autism and has battled with mental health issues, alongside an eating disorder, for many years. In January 2021, Lucy was at her heaviest weight and decided it was time to make a change.
Post lockdown, she joined North Solihull Sports Centre and has worked incredibly hard in the gym, with regular cardio sessions, over the past eight months. This has resulted in a transformative weight loss, with Lucy losing 36kg (5 stone 7lbs) in just over one year – a fantastic achievement and a truly inspirational story which is why she has been awarded a Solihull Shining Star prize.
Lucy said: “Living with autism can be challenging for me, but the staff at North Solihull Sports Centre have always been friendly and supportive, so it’s never been a barrier to me visiting and enjoying using the gym.
“I have also received help from a local NHS psychiatrist and community nurse. Together, all of these factors have helped me to improve my mental health. I hope to continue my journey so I can maintain my weight loss and stay in a positive headspace!”
Councillor Karen Grinsell, Deputy Leader and Lead Member for Partnerships and Wellbeing said: “People living with autism may be concerned about using gyms and leisure centres so it’s good to hear such a ringing endorsement. Physical exercise really helps people with their physical and mental wellbeing. Lucy has worked hard and with the support of leisure centre staff and the NHS is now living a much healthier life.”
To find out more or join North Solihull Sports Centre or Tudor Grange Leisure Centre – run by Everyone Active in partnership with Solihull Council - visit https://www.everyoneactive.com/join-membership/