From a walker to school pick-ups #SeriouslySocial
What does improving health and wellbeing actually look like?
Sometimes, it looks like picking up your grandchildren from school again.
When Jennifer joined Balanced Life, she was recovering from one of the most difficult periods of her life.
After breaking her back and later developing Stage 2 sepsis, her recovery had been set back significantly. By June 2025, her mobility had declined to the point where she relied on a walker and even exercises provided through physiotherapy felt difficult to manage.
Following a referral from her consultant, Jennifer joined Edinburgh Leisure’s Balanced Life programme and started in the introductory class.
What she found was different from what she expected.
Sessions moved at a pace that worked for her. Exercises felt achievable. Progress felt possible.
Week by week, Jennifer began rebuilding both strength and confidence.
After completing the initial 12-week programme and attending twice a week, she moved into a more advanced class — a turning point in her recovery.
The progress became visible.
From a walker, to two sticks.
From two sticks, to one.
From one stick, to hiking poles.
And now, walking independently at home.
“I’ve gone from a walker to walking independently – now I have the confidence to know I’m not going to fall.”
But for Jennifer, the biggest change wasn’t physical.
It was getting her life back.
Today, she travels more confidently, spends time with friends, feels connected to her community and picks up her grandchildren from school twice a week.
“Where I would be without these classes, I really don’t know. They’ve been life changing for me.”
Through programmes like Balanced Life, Edinburgh Leisure helps people rebuild strength, regain confidence and get back to the moments that matter most.
Because health and wellbeing is about more than recovery — it’s about connection, independence and living life fully.
Balanced Life is community-based falls prevention programme, delivered in partnership with the Edinburgh Health & Social Care partnership and integrated with NHS Lothian’s Falls Prevention and Management Framework.