An exercise group set up to support clients living with chronic disease is literally changing lives in Darwin.
The Danila Dilba Gym Group was set up in August 2023 to support clients living with conditions like diabetes, chronic lung disease, heart disease, chronic pain, osteoarthritis, kidney disease and high blood pressure – with a focus on social and cultural connection.
Following a soft launch, the group began accepting DDHS GP referrals in October 2023. Recently, the program celebrated its one-year anniversary, with huge achievements all round.
“In our first year, we've had 880 client attendances,” DDHS physiotherapist Philippa Cotter said. “We had 37 clients attend five or more sessions in that time, and 20 who were completely sedentary before joining the group.”
The DDHS Gym Group provides each client with an individualised exercise program and support from a physiotherapist and an allied health assistant.
The group setting:
💪🏾 Is culturally safe
💪🏾 Supports short-term goals and long-term lifestyle change
💪🏾 Focusses on social and cultural connection
A huge congratulations to all our deadly clients who've put in so much effort in the gym this year and thank you to Charles Darwin University for partnering with us to make this all possible.
“This program wouldn't be possible without access to CDU's great facility,” Philippa said. “Being able to offer membership to the gym group for free makes a big difference.”
#gymmotivation #CDU #alliedhealth #chronicdiseasemanagement
