Introduction:
Name: Phillip Watson
Job Title: Health and Wellbeing Leader
Organisation: Lincoln City Foundation
Years in the Field: 2
Path to Your Current Role:
Inspiration:
My main inspiration was my teachers at secondary school, I loved PE and how it made me feel. I was an introvert at school, so sport gave me a voice and more importantly I felt part of a team or group.
Early Experiences:
My sport background was a career in Personal Training and I was lucky to work with some elite athletes that competed in the Invictus Games; this is probably where I realised my passion to help those with disabilities or long term health conditions.
Mentors or Role Models:
Mr. Wilkinson and Mrs Hamer the PE teachers at SSPP school were my main role models. They were really enthusiastic teachers and pushed me outside my comfort zone.
Career Progression:
After sixth form, I studied Sport and Exercise Science at University. During this time, I did my Gym Instructor training, studied biomechanics, physiology and sports psychology with a keen passion for how the body worked. From this foundation, I worked as a Personal Trainer at David Lloyd Leisure, progressing to a Master Trainer and building up a variety of qualifications including Strength and Conditioning.
Job Role, Responsibilities, and Achievements:
Day-to-Day Tasks:
I oversee Lincoln City Foundation Health and Wellbeing programmes, including Walking Football, Fighting Fit and Active Together sessions.
Significant Projects or Achievements:
Fighting Fit is a cancer care programme, which recently won the ‘Impact on Health Award’ at the Lincolnshire Sport & Physical Activity Awards. The programme works with cancer survivors to help rehabilitation post treatment and to improve quality of life.
Challenges and Rewards:
Seeing people post aggressive treatment, so determined to improve their quality of life on a daily basis and defeat cancer is pretty special and inspiring
Phil was proud when Fighting Fit won the Impact on Health Award at the Lincolnshire Sport & Physical Activity Awards 2023.
Why You Love Your Job:
Personal Satisfaction:
My passion is to help people. No matter what their barriers, I strongly believe exercise is a medicine and can make anyone feel better.
From personal experience I have seen what a lack of exercise and an unhealthy lifestyle can do, and I want to educate people to be healthier.
Impact on Others:
Our cancer care programme has truly inspired a community of cancer survivors to be more active and have positive relations with people that have had similar shared experiences. It has been a pleasure to be involved and to watch this group grow into a community.
Reflections: What are you most proud of in your career?
The Lincolnshire Sport & Physical Activity Awards 2023, where Fighting Fit won the Impact on Health Award.
Future Goals and Advice for Aspiring Professionals:
Aspirations:
I would love to have my own charity or to be a founder of a charity that really does go beyond to help people with long term health conditions and disabilities.
Tips for Success:
It is the best sector if you are passionate about helping people. Once you start working with people that need your help and support, it really does empower you to keep pushing your own boundaries and skills.
Skills and Qualifications:
A Gym instructor level 2- PT Level 3 (NVQ in PT)- Level 4 Cancer Rehab
Continued Professional Development (CPD):
We are constantly learning new things about Long Term Health Conditions and it’s important that we stay up to date with the latest research.
Recommended resources and organisations:
CIMSPA is a good starting point for advice and guidance, and CanRehab offers training in cancer and exercise rehabilitation.
