What’s this project all about?
This activity is part of Healthy Working Life, a joint programme from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board.
A new pilot programme in Calderdale is helping people manage breathlessness, improve their health and take steps towards returning to work.
Funded through Healthy Working Life, the Active My Way: Breathlessness pilot supports adults aged 18 to 64 who are employed but currently not working due to breathlessness caused by respiratory (lung) or cardiovascular (heart) conditions. A key aim of the programme is to improve health in a way that supports people to return to work or explore new employment opportunities.
Health and Community Partnership Officer, Shanti Bradley, from the Better Living Service, Calderdale Council, explains:
“This pilot focuses on helping people build their physical strength, confidence and daily routines so that returning to work, or finding new opportunities, becomes more achievable. We look at the whole person, not just their condition.
“The project offers tailored, one-to-one support, including physical activity sessions, lifestyle advice and connections to local services. The goal is to help people develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to manage their condition and sustain long-term changes that support both health and employability.”
A tailored route back to activity and work
Simon joined the programme after being referred from pulmonary rehabilitation, a service that helps people manage long-term breathing conditions. Living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) he wanted support to rebuild his fitness and regain structure in his daily life.
He attended sessions at Brighouse Pool and Fitness Centre with Better Living Trainer, Nick Hannah. Knowing Simon had previously enjoyed cycling, Nick designed a personalised gym programme that reintroduced cycling in a safe and manageable way.
Nick said: “For many people, getting back to work starts with rebuilding confidence in what their body can do. With Simon, we focused on steady progress and realistic goals. By improving his fitness and routine, we’re also supporting his readiness for work, whether that’s returning to his previous role or exploring something new.”
Simon was also signposted to local cycling clubs, helping him build longer-term activity habits and social connections that can support wellbeing and work readiness.
Building stregth, confidence and routine
Over two months, Simon made clear progress. His cardiovascular (heart and lung) fitness improved by 21%, measured through a stationary bike test simulating a 6.3km uphill ride. This was achieved by gradually increasing the length of his aerobic sessions while keeping the intensity appropriate for his condition.
He also improved his overall strength through a structured full-body programme.
“These improvements are not just physical. Attending regular sessions, building stamina and increasing independence have helped Simon develop a routine and confidence that are important for returning to work.”
Simon now attends the gym regularly with a friend and has joined a specialist musculoskeletal (MSK) class. He has also been offered a reduced-rate 12-month membership to support his continued progress.
Exploring new pathways into work
Throughout the programme, Simon had ongoing discussions with his employer. While it became clear he may not return to his previous role, the focus shifted to identifying alternative options.
Nick supported Simon by connecting him with Halifax Opportunities Trust, a local organisation that provides employment support and community-based opportunities. Simon is now exploring volunteering roles, including gardening, as a way to rebuild confidence, gain experience and move closer to future employment.
Shanti added: “This reflects a key outcome of the project - supporting people not only to improve their health, but to re-engage with work in a way that is realistic and sustainable.”
Simon’s experience
Simon said: “I am very pleased with the Better Living Service so far. Nick is easy to talk to putting me at ease as I have not been involved in a gym environment since leaving school and he is very knowledgeable and is helping me greatly tailoring a programme for me personally and helping me with physical fitness based around my health issues. I feel I’m being encouraged in a friendly manner to help me improve my physical and mental health I greatly appreciate the support I am receiving.”
Looking ahead
The pilot is already demonstrating how improving health can directly support employment outcomes. By helping people manage their conditions, build confidence and establish routines, the programme is creating clearer pathways back to work.
The team hopes to continue and expand this approach, embedding it into future services. Stronger partnerships with local organisations and referral routes are helping reach more people and reduce barriers to support.
For people like Simon, the impact goes beyond fitness. It is about regaining independence, rebuilding confidence and taking practical steps towards a healthier future that includes work.
The rebuilding health and moving closer to work – Simon’s story, is also available as a PDF.