Anita Griggs – Founding Director
Anita began her fitness instructor career in 1989, teaching exercise to music in an East Devon Local Authority Sports Centre. It was a move to the Orkney Islands in 1999, and work in a senior role within a new flagship leisure centre, that introduced her to the possibilities of working with older adults and people living with long term health conditions and disabilities. Whilst there she took a lead role in implementing an Exercise Referral Scheme for the Islands and training staff to work in the Healthy Living Centres on the outer isles. She had found her passion.
Anita moved back to North Devon in 2007, and continued to develop her experience, knowledge and understanding of physical activity for health, gaining specialist exercise qualifications in Cardiac and Cancer Rehabilitation and Falls Prevention, as well as becoming qualified as a tutor and vocational assessor working at Petroc College, Barnstaple. Whilst lecturing on the FdSc in Sport, she was awarded the Petroc annual scholarly activity prize, alongside her colleague and co-founder of the North Devon Community Heart Health Project.
Demand for her services as a freelance exercise specialist grew and she has operated as North Devon Exercise Specialist since 2013. She holds an honorary contract within the NHS for delivery of the exercise component of early cardiac rehabilitation and is currently working with the cardiac team to develop a rehabilitation programme for heart failure patients. Anita also receives regular referrals for Cancer Rehabilitation from the FORCE Cancer Charity, Exeter into these programmes.
Anita has worked closely with organisations such as Active Devon, to co-ordinate the successful Walking for Health programme and has recently returned from a visit to Orkney, where she was contracted to train their staff in delivering Exercise Referral.
Clark Denby – Director
Clark currently works for Petroc College as the Programme Manager for Foundation Degree Health and Social Care. Clark is a highly experienced Higher Education Lecturer with a specific interest in the politics of health and social care and supporting equity within professional practice.
Clark has worked on a number of key health-based projects that focus upon supporting vulnerable groups and individuals within the North Devon area, including:
- Establishment and management of the North Devon Community Heart Health Project (NDCHHP).
- Project manager of collaborative project between Hikmat Devon and NDCHHP centred upon supporting south Asian females accessing physical activity within a discrete social space in order to enhance mental health and wellbeing.
- Community Based Project leader; overseeing and guiding foundation degree students working collaboratively with Family Compass CIC in order to develop service provision.
- Establishment of Community Disability sport group; supporting training, coaching, recreation, and competition.
Clark also has a diverse range of community-based work experience including working as a Sports Development Officer at Shetland Islands Council, Senior Support Worker, and Care Manager.
Sue Ward – Director
Sue is highly experienced in the fitness industry and has been working in the non-profit sector for 30 years. Sue is a Level 4 qualified instructor and she heads up with Education arm of Vista Wellbeing
The directors will be supported by a team of advisors, to include the following:
- Joanne Couch ACCA MSc – Accountant and experienced financial controller who will advise on strategic business and financial planning