My name is Tony and I’m a 53 year old resident of North Yorkshire. I recently joined the Humber, Coast and Vale Green Social Prescribing Steering Group as a patient representative, having experienced my first episode of depression last year. Prior to this episode I had been fortunate to have enjoyed good mental health throughout my adult life and being usually physically fit and active. I previously worked as a Psychiatric Nurse and later in my career worked on national Mental Health policies, so had a good insight into my illness.

I first reported symptoms of low mood to my GP in early January 2020 and was initially prescribed antidepressants. Subsequently, alternative antidepressants were prescribed as my mood level continued to decline, along with referral to the local Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) service.

My depression proved to be resistant to medication, and having become actively suicidal, I willingly continued to accept changes in antidepressants. I did however voice concerns regarding the risks of significant weight gain due to the fifth antidepressant I was prescribed. During the past three months I had become completely sedentary.

It was at this point I approached Tees, Esk and Wear Valley (TEWV) Mental Health Trust to consider funding a personal coach, to help me become physically active once more. Tristan Eaglen Coaching was commissioned to devise a 12 week coaching programme, using a mix of weight training, strength, balance and cardio training, plus cycling. A series of baseline measures were recorded, covering both my mental health and physical health.

The programme ran from 2^nd December 2020 to the end of February 2021, when the measures were repeated. The results are currently being compiled and written up as a case study, that has some compelling evidence on the significant impact the programme has had on my mental health and on my life style. It has been nothing short of life changing.

I’m looking forward to presenting the case study with representatives from TEWV and my personal coach in the near future and hope the findings from the programme help to contribute toward an evidence base that supports further pilots of this approach, including people experiencing depression and those living with serious mental illness.

Watch this space!

Best wishes

Tony Jameson-Allen

Twitter: @TJA_Evonet