UEA PESH students step into action at Able2B gym
By: Communications
The UEA Physical Activity and Health course has been helping the local community by aiding the staff and volunteers of Able2B gym in Norwich. The second-year Physical Education Sport and Health (PESH) students have been assisting in delivering sessions to clients of the gym, which focuses on providing services to support children and adults with life-altering conditions.
Image: Able2B banner
Started in 2016, Able2B works to aid those who might struggle with confidence in their physical abilities, and through classes and assistance, they work to show individuals what they can achieve.
The PESH students have been helping deliver lessons and support the community as part of their Science of Physical Activity module, with some students also going on to volunteer for the gym, others undertaking placement.
Image: Jordan Bromley
Third-year Jordan Bromley started to work part-time at Able2B after discovering it through the PESH course, he now works as a trainer and a fully qualified Rebound Therapy Practitioner, offering clients 1:1 services.
He said, “I found out about Able2B at a Career’s Fair at UEA, one of my lecturers told me to go and speak with them- as obviously the PESH course is connected to Able2B. I then started to volunteer there in my first year, and now I have a job. My plan is to start full-time there after graduation, I know they want me as soon as I’m done, so once I get my degree, that’s my next step.”
“I wouldn’t have found out about Able2B without coming to the university, but I learned a lot through giving up my own time outside the course, spending my hours volunteering for them. In my second year, I was able to do my placement hours there, so I was able to spend even more time there, it’s just such a welcoming and vibrant atmosphere. I really love it.”
“My PESH course helped me gain the skills I needed, it really does help you get ready to any role you want to go into in sport. Working at Able2B has made me realise that this is my dream job, I love being able to watch people’s journeys and being a part of the incredible community there. And as I said earlier, I wouldn’t have found that without going to university, which was something I never even wanted to do. I was a bit stuck career wise before so I applied to UEA through clearing just as I thought a degree would help, and yeah, it was just a fun experience.”
The students were able to meet some of the clients both in person and online, helping them get into exercising and believing in themselves, all while learning boxing skills from Jon Thaxton, co-founder of Able2B and retired British and European Boxing champion.
Jon said, “The students from the UEA were brilliant at delivering the group classes and they have shown how they can help others. The atmosphere was great and hopefully everyone has taken something away from today.”
Rachael Hutchinson is a Consultant Orthopaedic surgeon who has worked across the globe and is co-founder of Able2B. From her time working as a consultant, she realised the lack of opportunities for the disabled community to improve their fitness, inspiring the creation of Able2B.
Rachel said “Today is not about us teaching the students visiting, but them working as part of team and seeing what happens at Able2B. Most importantly it is about looking at people differently as that is what is going to change people's abilities for the future.”
Image: Thomas Marsden
Course Director Thomas Marsden said, “Our ongoing relationship with Able2B provides our second years the opportunity to learn skills to apply to a real-life situation, which is always great. They can apply their knowledge and gain valuable experience as to how Able2B helps break down barriers for people with disabilities, both physically and psychologically.”
Please visit the Able2B website to find out more about what they do in the community, or to get involved yourself.
For more information on the BSc Physical Activity and Health and PESH cluster programme please visit the course page.
Check out the PESH visit to Able2B below:
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