Reversing Pre-Diabetes at 63: One Woman’s Journey to Better Health
My name is Alexa Young
A 63-year-old Black woman was recently diagnosed with pre-diabetes. Unsure of how to improve her diet and lifestyle, she turned to her GP for help.
Situation: She felt overwhelmed and uncertain. Changing her habits felt daunting, and she didn’t know where to begin. She needed clear support and guidance.
Solution and Results: She was referred to a Health and Wellbeing Coach and enrolled in the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme. With consistent check-ins and support, she gained the confidence and tools she needed to take control of her health. Over time, she successfully lowered her HbA1c(sugar) levels and reversed her pre-diabetes diagnosis.
Conclusion/Call to Action: Support and guidance can make all the difference. If you're at risk of diabetes, take action today. Speak to your Brent GP and ask for an appointment with your Health and Wellbeing Coach.
Visual Impairment Is Not a Life Sentence
A 22-year-old Asian woman with visual impairment wanted to find an accessible, low-cost gym. She asked her GP for help.
Situation: She was ready to improve her fitness but couldn’t find gyms that supported her needs. She needed guidance and inclusive options.
Solution and Results: Our Health and Wellbeing Coach connected her with Vale Farm Sports Centre and spoke to staff about tailored support. She was also signposted to Better Gym (with visually impaired-friendly classes) and the RNIB (Royal National Institute of Blind People) for further advice. She appreciated our dedication and continues to stay in touch.
Conclusion/Call to Action: Fitness is for everyone. If you need support finding inclusive options, ask your Brent GP for a referral to a Health and Wellbeing Coach.
The Trick of Balancing Your Wellbeing
A 50-year-old woman with epilepsy and mental health challenges came for weight loss support. She had recently lost 8kg but still struggled with emotional eating.
Situation: She weighed 96kg at 1.62m tall. Her diet included mostly sandwiches, cheese, soups, and porridge. She found it hard to stick to meals, had a sweet tooth, and often ate in response to emotions, followed by guilt.
Solution and Results: Our Health and Wellbeing Coach supported her with practical dietary changes — such as adding fibre, complex carbs like rye and quinoa, lean proteins, and probiotic-rich foods. More importantly, they explored her emotional relationship with food. She agreed to seek talking therapy to address these patterns. Together, they recognised that emotional wellbeing was key to long-term change.
Conclusion/Call to Action: Weight challenges often go deeper than diet. If you're seeking holistic support, contact your Brent GP and ask for a Health and Wellbeing Coach appointment.
Losing Weight And Gaining Joy
A 39-year-old White man felt overwhelmed by his weight and unsure where to start.
Situation: He wanted to lose weight but didn’t know what to do. He reached out to her GP, hoping for guidance on diet and exercise.
Solution and Results: He met with a Health and Wellbeing Coach who offered tailored lifestyle advice and connected him to local exercise groups. With encouragement and follow-up support, he stayed motivated — and lost 6kg.
Conclusion/Call to Action: You don’t need to do it alone. If you’re ready for change, speak to your Brent GP and ask for an appointment with your Health and Wellbeing Coach.
Taking the Test That Could Save His Life
A 66-year-old African father of three received a bowel cancer screening kit in the post but wasn’t sure if he wanted to use it.
Situation: He felt healthy and found the idea uncomfortable. Still, he knew early detection could be life-saving — especially as people in his community often get diagnosed late.
Solution and Results: A Health and Wellbeing Coach explained how the test works, how simple it is, and why it matters. They also helped him order a new kit and guided him through the process. He felt reassured, informed, and empowered — and even encouraged his family to get screened.
Conclusion/Call to Action: Preventive tests save lives. If you're unsure about screening or need support, speak to your Brent GP and ask to see a Health and Wellbeing Coach.
Brent Mencap
379-381 High Rd, London NW10 2JR Tel: 020 8451 5278
Registered Charity Number: 1077038