'Extraordinary' Young Woman From Cumbria Shortlisted For National Wellbeing Award

GLL's Danii Vipond Houghton - who works as a Health and Communities Manager for Westmorland & Furness - has been shortlisted for a national award for her work in improving health outcomes for local people through sport and physical activity.

Working in partnership with Age UK, the Local Authority, North and South Cumbria NHS Health Trusts and others, Danii helps people live longer and healthier lives.

Following the co-location of the NHS MSK department to Kendal Leisure Centre in 2022, Danii set up the Healthwise Physical Activity pathway for those living with a variety of health conditions including those related to pain, reduced activity levels and impaired mobility, referred by the NHS for 'exercise on prescription'.

Danii also works locally to inspire those who think exercise is 'not for them' and is responsible for many elderly swimmers successfully getting back in the pool - improving their mobility and mood.

NHS in Cumbria reports a £150k saving on hospital admissions and GLL reports £3.4m generated in social value as a direct result of its interventions in the region.

Danii has been nominated for a Physical Activity Hero Award at the ukactive Awards 2024 in acknowledgement of successfully increasing the number of people accessing the Healthwise programme from 26 to 630 within two years.

Graduating with a degree in Sport, Physical Activity and Health from Leeds Beckett University, Danii first worked with Leeds City Council and Lancaster City Council delivering physical activity schemes.

Starting with GLL as a Healthwise Facilitator in 2021, Danii has progressed to Health & Communities Manager and is enthusiastic about the challenge and benefits of getting more people more active.

She says: "To be able to go to work, empower someone to move more, to manage their medical condition to lead a happier, healthier life is fantastic.

"It is beyond amazing to know that exercises personally prescribed to someone now means they can continue to function independently, are no longer reliant on painkillers, have the confidence to join a social exercise group or reduced medication - it's a feeling like no other. "

Nominating Danii was Derek Jones, GLL's Partnership Manager for Cumbria. He said: "GLL is a charitable social enterprise that exists to improve health and wellbeing outcomes for local communities.

"To see the evident success Danii has had in such a short time is testament to her hard work but also her personable nature which encourages people - especially older individuals - to get active."

"She is an extraordinary individual and is truly deserving of her place alongside the best of the best at these national awards."

Outside of work, Danii enjoys staying healthy by walking, swimming and also camping in the beautiful Lake District and volunteers for an animal charity.

To vote for Danii, follow this link: https://www.ukactive.com/ukactive-awards-2024-stage-2-public-vote/