Managing Existing Conditions

A medical condition can have a big impact on your daily life and the people close to you.

Every condition is different and comes with its own set of challenges. That’s why our one-to-one support is tailored to you and your individual needs.

We’re here to help you understand your condition and learn how to manage it in a way that works for you, so you feel more in control and more confident in coping with day-to-day life.

Supporting NHS active recovery

We work closely with NHS Trusts to design and deliver perioperative care, prehabilitation, and rehabilitation programmes for a range of health conditions. This includes targeted support as part of active recovery.

Our services help meet key NHS goals, such as the Core20PLUS5 strategy, reaching people in the areas with the greatest health needs, including some of the most disadvantaged neighbourhoods.

We’re a key partner in the Waiting Well programme across Newcastle and Northumberland, where we help patients with diabetes prepare for surgery. By supporting better glucose control, we aim to reduce complications and improve long-term health.

We’re always looking to collaborate with universities, Public Health teams, the NHS, and local partners to support people living with medical conditions.

If you’d like to learn more about how we can help, please contact us.

Waiting Well

Waiting Well is a free 12-week one-to-one support programme designed to help you get healthier before surgery, so you recover faster and spend less time in hospital.

What’s included:

• Health Improvement Programme: A personalised 12-week plan with one-to-one support to help you reach your health goals. Whether you’re managing Type 2 diabetes, looking to eat better, lose weight, get more active, improve your mental wellbeing, or quit smoking, we’re here to help with tailored advice and support.
• HealthWalks: Join our free weekly health and wellbeing walks. These friendly, inclusive walks help you stay active and connected with others in your community.
• Next Steps: A fun, low-impact exercise group, perfect for anyone who’s completed the Staying Steady programme or has a medical condition. It’s a great way to keep moving in a safe, supportive environment.

ESCAPE-pain rehabilitation programme

ESCAPE pain stands for Enabling Self-management and Coping with Arthritic Pain using Exercise.

It is a free 6-week rehabilitation programme for individuals with long-term knee and/or hip arthritis, referred via TIMS (Tyneside Integrated Musculoskeletal Services). The programme is available in both Newcastle and Gateshead.

Each week includes two sessions, with each session made up of:

• 45 minutes of structured exercise, and

• 15 minutes of education focused on lifestyle improvements.

ESCAPE-Pain aims to support people in developing self-management skills and coping strategies to better manage symptoms.

We also offer a version of ESCAPE-Pain specifically for people with chronic back pain, again through referral by TIMS.

Through this programme, participants gain a better understanding of their condition, learn practical ways to help themselves, and take part in a progressive exercise plan designed to reduce pain and improve quality of life.

You can self-refer to the programme on the Tyneside Integrated Musculoskeletal Service (TIMS) website.

After reading through the information, scroll to the bottom of the page and click on ‘self-referral tool’.  TIMS will then be in touch for an assessment, and if you are eligible, you will be put onto the next local cohort!

Healthworks delivers ESCAPE pain at the following venues:

• Health Resource Centre, Benwell, NE4 8BE
• East End Pool, Byker, NE6 1AL
• Barmoor Hub, Ryton, NE40 3AG
• Felling Community Centre, Gateshead, NE10 0NF

Details of session days and times will be provided once you are referred.

Find out more about ESCAPE-pain

Visit Tyneside Integrated Musculoskeletal Service (TIMS) to refer yourself to this programme.

Stroke Rehabilitation

Our stroke rehabilitation sessions are designed to help you regain independence and improve day-to-day functioning after a stroke.

Each session includes physical activities that focus on improving mobility, balance, and strength. Support is tailored to your individual needs and stage of recovery. Starting rehab early and sticking with it can make a big difference in your recovery, quality of life, and help lower the risk of having another stroke.

We run sessions in both the west and east of Newcastle. To find out more or book a place, please get in touch with us at [email protected]

You might also be interested in:

Staying Steady Programme

Find out more about our Staying Steady falls prevention programme and our other Getting Active services