Patients at Lynfield Mount Hospital are benefiting from new gym facilities to support their recovery and wellbeing, thanks to funding from Sport England and the Trust’s Better Lives charity.

Staff and patients were both involved in creating the new-look recreational hall for the  hospital, that provides specialist mental health support for people in Bradford, Keighley, Airedale, Wharfedale and Craven.

The new equipment includes a cardio wall, clever touch interactive screens, a table tennis table and pool table, with more additions coming over time.

Catherine Jowitt, Head of Charity and Volunteering at the Care Trust said: “We are so thankful as a charity that we’re able to further support the recovery of our patients. It is amazing to see how both staff and patients are using the new equipment. We are grateful for the funding from Sport England which has been a fantastic help in making the improvements.

“This space is supporting staff to provide more therapeutic activities, for patients’ physical and mental wellbeing. The improved facilities have been a real boost for everyone involved.”

The hall previously had very little equipment to support patients with physical activity but with the external funding, the enhanced space is now used for exercise, classes and other recreational activities including the annual Lynfest festival.

Positive patient feedback includes ‘the cardio wall is excellent, it helps with my muscles and is very easy to use’ and ‘I really enjoy the new equipment, it gives me so much more energy and helps me concentrate a lot more’.

The Better Lives charity raises funds to enhance patient care and facilities, over and above the core NHS services. Find out more about the charity: www.bdct.nhs.uk/better-lives-charity/.