Trench Health ran a wellness program for Redress WA, a division of the Department for Communities which had the task of  processing 6000 claims from adults, who as children, were abused in State care. The project was time limited so staff worked under great pressure dealing with distressing material and applicants who required very sensitive consideration and handling.

The Trench program was a key factor in the success of the Redress project. Trench offered an active program of health and wellness support to staff on an individual  and group basis . Over 90% of staff were positive about the program, especially the individual support,  which not only identified some serious health issues amongst staff but very actively supported them to work towards a healthier lifestyle. The Trench staff member involved was knowledgeable, an excellent communicator and developed a very constructive relationship with staff.

Her interaction was identified by staff as a key factor in assisting them to manage the inevitable stresses of this kind of work and contributed to the remarkably low staff turnover, considering the nature of the work.

Stephanie Withers

REDRESS WA

Department of Communities- Executive Director

Nov 2011

"Gavin has so much knowledge about this topic that I was hanging on his every word. He is a great presenter! Being part of the organizing team I can only say that everyone attending was giving us very positive feedback following the session. All of us learned about different types of mental health issues, how to deal with them and who/which institution to address for further help. Our employees were engaging with Gavin and asked many useful questions which made the session even more worth while for everyone!"

Transfield Worley Employee after attending Mental Health Presentation

Nov 2011

In a project type environment, stress levels can easily get out of hand, leading to mental health issues. Dr Gavin Marsh's presentation on depression and anxiety did a good job of explaining what the typical warning signs are, and some pointers on how to deal with it in yourself and others. It was clear that Dr Marsh has a passion for the subject, and his delivery was easy to understand for non-experts such as myself. The hour spent listening to Dr Gavin Marsh was an hour well spent.

Transfield Worley Employee after attending Mental Health Presentation

Nov 2011

“It was great to hear some vital information from Dr Gavin Marsh about an issue that is not widely discussed openly in our community. I now know the warning signs and hopefully I am now better equipped to deal with these circumstances, should myself or close friends and family ever encounter them. It was such a valuable hour out of my busy day”

ENJO

Vinita Vinciullo

“Before this session I just didn’t realise how many people within our community suffer from depression and anxiety. I also didn’t understand the different levels of anxiety and depression. It was really insightful and I walked away with a greater understanding of how to recognise signs of depression and anxiety and what I can do to help. Well worth attending”

ENJO

Tara Heath

“The presentation given by Dr Gavin Marsh was straight to the point and easily retained. I felt that this presentation made me feel like I wasn’t alone and that everybody, no matter who they are, needs someone to lean on. Excellent advice on how to identify key elements for depression and anxiety. Excellent advice on where you can get help and how you can help others”.

ENJO

Bianca Cook

I love the opportunities we have been given at CBH to participate in many varied health and wellness programs this is such a bonus and inspires me to participate as the opportunities are right on my door step!

Trench has provided us with the most appropriate people for the activities that I have been lucky enough to participate in.  The lovely Callie is just a gorgeous lady – the best advertisement that Trench can have!!!  I’ve completed classes from Yoga to Zumba and when speaking with Callie about a program to suit me at my “mature time of life” – was delighted to be given such a simple sheet containing a clear exercise program to complete and also the offer of assistance if I needed it and was unclear about any of the exercises on the program.

I recommend you to try some of the classes or have a one on one with Callie to inspire you to get into some exercise program to help clear that brain fog that most of us get from time to time and just to feel great!!!

Female CBH employee

April 2011

I have been having one-on-one weekly health and fitness meeting with Callie since mid January 2011. Callie has been a great help on helping me not just lose weight and looking toned up but also making sure that I am exercising correctly, doing the right kind of exercise that suits me and eating the right food that is good for me.

She has taught me a great deal on the following:

• When and what to eat

• What are good foods and bad foods

• What are good substitutes when craving bad foods

• What sort of exercise combination programs that are effective for me.

• Taught me how to do proper core exercises.

• Showed me what my BMI, waist-to-hip ratio, BMR and training heart rate zone.

• Based on all my measurements and regular food I have been eating, provided me a guide as to how much calories on average I consume per day and how much I must burn per day.

• Has been monitoring my weight on weekly basis as both a way to keep me motivated and accountable.

• Provides good advice on any questions I have when I am trying something new – for example, questions about certain vitamins, detox program etc.

• And lots more!!!!

Most of all, I think Callie is a fantastic person to talk to just about anything. She has given me lots of encouragement and has taught me to not take it too hard on myself whenever I have been eating bad food every now and then.

Thanks to Callie, I have lost a lot of weight and it feels very good knowing that all my colleagues, friends and family noticed a huge lost in my weight and that they all said I am looking very well.

Anonymous Female

March 2011

You came up to our office in November last year and gave me a health check. Things were a little grim with very high blood pressure and very much overweight. You suggested I see a doctor and should look at losing some weight and doing some exercise. I just wanted to let you know that as a result of your visit and the  little scare I have shed 12 kgs with a around 10 more to go and I am exercising daily. I can now even jog (slowly) 5 km’s. I generally just walk around 8 k’s a day with my wife which is doing the trick anyway.  I am on Jen for Men and although the food is a bit ordinary, sticking to the program and making the progress.

My blood pressure is back to normal, I feel great, sleeping better and generally have a new outlook on my health and well being.  

Thanks for coming up and getting me back on the right track. I might need to increase my super now!! Might live longer.   

49 y.o Male

Regional WA Office

March 2011

Last year I entered the Pink Triathlon to raise money for the National Breast Cancer Foundation.  I didn’t do too badly, but I felt that the swimming leg let me down.  I couldn’t co-ordinate my breathing in the freestyle and I have a bit of a problem with deep water. 

This year I thought I would give it another go to try to beat my previous time of 48 minutes.

Grant from Trench very kindly offered weekly swimming lessons before work to anyone interested that was entering the Triathlon.

I gladly attended every class and, with Grant’s coaching gained a lot more confidence in the water and also improved my technique.

Peter Trench also gave us some handy hints in regards to riding our bikes.

The extra coaching from Grant made all the difference and I beat my previous time by 18 minutes, coming in at 30 minutes.

I really appreciate the help from the team at Trench and also Lotterywest for making this programme available to everyone.

Cheers

Mary Bracken
LotteryWest

Nov 2010

This is just to let you know that you are doing a great job.

Just having my blood pressure tested and my weight measured has made me more aware of the need for a good diet and exercise. Also I have the incentive to improve my habits.

Regards

Judy

Dept of Housing

Sept 2010

I just finished the 8 week Boxing Moves Sessions . The sessions were run by Ashlee MacKay. I just wanted to acknowledge the fantastic effort of Ashlee in running these sessions. The sessions were challenging while at the same time great fun.

The participants had a diverse fitness level and I would suggest equally diverse expectation of what they were going to achieve out of the sessions. From talking to the other participants I believe that we all got what we expected out of the sessions and a number of us have signed up for the next session.

I have participated in a number of fitness activities over the years and I can confidently say that Ashlee made this one the most enjoyable fitness program that I have undertaken. Ashlee is a great ambassador for Trench Health!
Cheers
Mark Thompson

Sept 2010

I just wanted to say thankyou for your help in giving me an exercise plan and guidelines for a healthier heart. I would also like to let you know what a lovely person you are and are able to put up with the oldies sense of humour. It is a pleasure having you here.

Thankyou again

 Kaz Naz

Department of Housing
August 2010

"Each week for months, the lovely person from Trench Health has come to see me because my blood pressure readings taken were always too high. I was always encouraged to see a G.P. about it, but kept putting it off until a very high reading had our Trench specialist worried and they offered a referral to my GP who felt that a very high reading was ok and simply put it down to natural work stress.

However, I took Trench’s advice seriously, and after a serious of tests by my doctor revealed a tendency towards diabetes unless I made some changes very quickly, I took some advice from a dietition.

Men of a certain age, like me, are not moved easily to make health changes, so I firstly looked at the easy options, in other words, what could I do that would assist me without changing my life to much?

Firstly, I simply gave up the rubbish foods; take away, chips, lollies etc. Dead easy

Secondly, I started to walk every night for 30 minutes, now 45 minutes. Dead easy

With these minor changes, in just three months , I have lost 3 kgs, and blood pressure has improved greatly.

Once you see the changes that can be made by simply making small changes, it has encouraged me, with Trench's weekly encouragement, to make more changes. I am now cutting down on coffee, drinking more water, and looking carefully at everything I buy and eat. To me, the small changes are simple to make, and that’s why it works for me. If I continue with this, as I will, it will mean I won’t have to be insulin or medication dependant for diabetes, and can beat it completely. It’s very small changes, which has enormous health benefits.

So check out what the Trench specialist has to offer, you will feel better, look better and as one person said to me, with this new health regime, you are turning into a chick magnet...(ok so I made that up) but I can dream can’t I?"
Edward (Ted ) Biggs
Department of Housing

March 2010

TRIM vs Weight loss

This is my story which you only need to read if you need some motivation to lose weight.

Two years ago I popped on the scales and had hit 99kg. I didn’t believe it!! So I tried another set of scales and as a last resort payed a dollar in a shop for a digital print out. Even then, with the weight confirmed, I questioned the owner about when they were last checked!!

Now it was time to face the fact I was overweight. It was time for an assessment by Jo from Trench Health Fitness, the Department Of Water’s Health and Life Style coordinator. 

The results were that I was in trouble with high blood pressure, high cholesterol and a waist over 100cm. I went on a diet and started regular exercise with positive results and started feeling a lot better. The weight left home and eventually after 4 months I reached 88kg. Mission accomplished you may think.

The story continues, Christmas 2009. I have let things slip and my weight has returned. I’m carrying another spare tyre - am I the Dunlop Man or should I just work for the RAC? I’m 102kg, shock horror, I never wanted to pass that 100kg figure. During the Xmas break I was very ill and this was the final wakeup call. My family needs me. I go back to Trench Health Fitness and everything is bad - a waist circumference of 105cm (the male waist circumference recommendation is 94cm or below, females 80cm), high blood pressure and surprise! overweight. Jan 4th 2010 I start the TRIM process again, this time with more focus, life and living it.

This time the focus is losing the weight and keeping it off. A few rules: no carbohydrates (rice, potatoes etc)  after 3pm, more fresh fruit and nuts for snacks. This time my mind and not my behind needed to take control and understand the data nutrition of food. The body is a like a car, you need to put the right fuel in to get it up to speed; the wrong fuel, ahh! you know the rest that’s why you are reading this.

The results this year are quite amazing. I have lost 16kg and weigh 86kg, waist 93.5cm and have a blood pressure of 120/68 down from 142/89. Who am I?

I am TRIM and feel terrific and I am your TRIM Training Officer in Information Management.

Ray
Dept of`Water

"Over the past few years I found myself wondering “how did I get this heavy” I unconsciously turned to food to offer cozy comfort and quickly discovered, unfortunately, just how easy it is to put on weight.
I made an appointment with Sarah Nowell from Trench Health and Fitness hoping to lose weight and regain energy.
My goal was to lose 10% of my body weight before Christmas. By making a few changes to my diet and finding time for 3- 4 walks of 30 minutes a week, I am well on the way to achieving this goal.

My weekly weigh in with Sarah kept me honest, the scales don’t lie. Sarah encouraged me through times when my will power was wilting and helped keep me on track to achieve my goal.

If you want to lose weight and feel healthy without spending a cent email Sarah on sarah@trenchhealth.com.au now and make an appointment. The first step is always the hardest but the rewards are immeasurable."

Elizabeth Warren
Dept of Housing Plain St
2009

“Would just like to say that Trench Health does a wonderful job of not only encouraging the staff to participate in the fitness classes but also encourages us with our dietary information ... [we] look forward to meeting with them every week”

Pam, Liz and John
Department of Housing - Fremantle office

2009

"I want to go on record with a big thank you for the opportunity to participate in the in-house blood tests.
I want to encourage other guys 45+ to get this check done.

My blood test came up with an elevated PSA reading and a recommendation that I should follow up with my own GP.
He then checked out my prostrate, discovered an irregularity and sent me off to a specialist.
About the same time I had noticed that my visits to the toilet were becoming more often, but I was not emptying my bladder completely. These frequent visits were happening both during the day and through the night.

The specialist booked me in for a biopsy and, although there was nothing ‘sinister’, he recommended a procedure known as a TURP which widens the urinary passage. I had the surgery on a Tuesday, spent some recovery time in hospital up to the Friday and, after passing the ‘test’ of passing sufficient urine and not retaining more than a set level, I spent another two weeks recovering at home. I was up and moving around but just had to avoid any ‘vigorous’ activity.

I have a review with specialist coming up. I need to keep an eye open and follow up in about 5 years time.

Guys don’t stick your head in the sand! Don’t be a macho fool. I now feel 100 percent."

Mike Miller

2009

“Jo Falconer has been coming to the office on a weekly basis checking the health of fellow workers and giving advice.
I met Jo about 4 weeks ago when she did a thorough health check for me. My cholesterol was high and was of concern.

Her approach and handling of my health status was very professional. She advised me about lifestyle changes and would help me get there. It is because of her professional attitude and approach that I decided to follow her advice on reducing my cholesterol and weight. I am a 2 plate rice consumer for dinner, and for now I have reduced it to almost none for the week days and eat normal for weekends. She gave me the advice that was not too imposing or unreachable. I do exercise a little like a 1 hour walk a week and play easy badminton once a week. With that I was able to achieve it and within a week lost my weight by 1kg and reduced my cholesterol. Because Trench is there every week, I can keep track on my program. It was such a breakthrough that it encouraged me to carry on.

Just a little change and a lot of hard work. Thank you Trench and Jo for your help.”

Denny Thevarakam
2009

"From the outset, we were impressed by the thoroughness of the Trench Health and Fitness "Wellness Program" and its professional implementation.

Of significance in a program such as this has been the ability of the staff from Trench Health and Fitness to relate to, and gain the confidence of our staff who, as you would expect from most organisations of our size, represent a broad spectrum of personal fitness. What was encouraging from day one was the positive feedback which we received from some of our least fit staff. All staff were made to feel welcome and part of the program which was skilfully designed to cater to the differing needs of individual staff members.

I thoroughly recommend the program and in particular Trench Health and Fitness to any employer. I would be happy to provide further comment on the program and can be contacted on 9488 9488."

John Driscoll
Chairman and CEO, Marketforce

2009

"Since the program commenced the feedback from Department of Water staff in all areas has been very good and a significantly higher than predicted percentage of DoW staff take part in the various activities offered. The Trench Health and Fitness professional service provision has had a very positive impact culturally in the DoW. The success and high staff participation is due in no small measure to the vibrant enthusiasm of the Trench Health and Fitness consultants which value adds in encouraging staff to embrace health and fitness in achieving work-life balance."

R D Hammond, A/Director General
Department of Water

"We have been a client of Trench Health and Fitness since November 2004. Since that time, we have been extremely happy with the level of service that they have provided and the many benefits that it has brought to our business,

The focus on the health and fitness of our employees is seen by us as a very important part of the success of our business"

Mal di Giulio, Director
MGI Bridge Partners

"Trench Health and Fitness has been running the DSR corporate health program since 2001. Peter and his staff have accommodated the department’s specific needs and worked in partnership with us to provide DSR with an excellent, targeted workplace program including regular weekly activities and innovative events and challenges scheduled throughout each year.

Participation levels in the program have been high and consistent, with positive feedback from the staff."

Ron Alexander, Director General
Department of Sport and Recreation

The beauty of Trench staff is their very professional attitude, obvious competencies, attention to detail and cheerful dispositions not to mention their evident health and fitness. It’s always a pleasure to engage with them!