We’re back in the old routine

Club Call highlights the hard work of community groups in Oldham and surrounding areas. In the latest, reporter BEATRIZ AYALA heads to Limehurst to find out about the Back to Back group.

Chronic pain blights the lives of thousands but a group of Limehurst folk are helping sufferers manage their conditions.

Oldham Back to Back is a voluntary support and information group open to anyone with chronic and long-term health conditions.

Created in 1994, and funded by NHS Oldham, those with all manner of painful conditions can attend to alleviate symptoms and get a better quality of life.

Around 40 members currently enjoy weekly, chair-based gentle exercise sessions in Limehurst.

The group helps raise awareness of the difficulties people face when living with chronic pain, and provides support for its members.

Health professionals regularly attend the group to offer advice and guidance.

Helen Proctor (66), from Hollinwood, is the group chairman.

She said: “Members get a lot out of every session, just being with people with the same condition can help.

“We introduced our gentle exercises as a chair-based activity but have improved so much that we can now move around.

“Even if the sessions don’t take the pain away, they do alleviate it and can help someone move on with their life.”

The group meets from 2 to 4pm every Tuesday at Limehurst Tenants and Residents’ Association in Blackthorn Road.

A confidential phone line has also been set up to provide a listening ear from Monday to Friday (4 to 7pm).

Mrs Proctor said: “It’s a drop-in session so it’s OK not to come for three or four months and then just turn up.

“I’m a great believer in people having a better quality of life and I do think this group helps to achieve that.”

For more information, call Helen on 0161-688 0801 or Margaret Barnett on 01706-843 859.