We Are Undefeatable Eastleigh

We Are Undefeatable Eastleigh

Campaign launches for those living with long-term conditions

The national campaign, We Are Undefeatable, is funded by Sport England and aims to support and encourage ways to be active that work with each person’s condition, not against them.

The campaign features a series of local case studies covering a range of conditions from ME (myalgic encephalomyelitis) to arthritis and depression. The team plans to work with targeted local groups to support projects to get more active, later in the year.

The first of our ‘Eastleigh Undefeatables’ is Rosie from Boyatt Wood. Rosie has ME, lives with depression and battles with the stigma attached to invisible conditions.

The ME can make exercise difficult as symptoms include muscle and joint pain. However, Rosie has recognised how beneficial exercise can be, especially for her depression, but also for ME when her body allows.

“You can’t ever fully explain the positive difference it makes to your mental health. It is so easy to say it releases endorphins and you can be sceptical, but I can say, it really does.”

Rosie has found connecting with the outdoors a mental health boost and uses Pokémon Go to extend walks and make them more exciting. She has discovered home Pilates during the pandemic and enjoys the fact it can be done in as little as 10 minutes.

Rosie knows her condition is unpredictable and inconsistent, but she is determined to keep exercising due to the benefits it brings her mind and body.

Read Rosie’s story in full and learn more about the campaign eastleigh.gov.uk/wau

If you have a long-term health condition and would be happy to share your story as to how you have kept active during the pandemic, please get in touch sportworks@eastleigh.gov.uk