In conversation with: Bailey Greetham-Clarke

Bailey is a young entrepreneur and social activist who is dedicated to bringing about positive change in his community. At the age of 17, in the midst of the global pandemic, Bailey founded BeGreatFitness, a health and wellbeing company aimed at providing accessible fitness for those who were most vulnerable and struggling to maintain their physical health.

Bailey's passion for social change and his commitment to creating a more equitable and just society has been the driving force behind his success. Through his work with BeGreatFitness, he has been able to make a meaningful difference in the lives of countless individuals who were struggling to access the resources they needed to stay healthy and fit.

Ahead of his presentation at Care Show Birmingham, we reached out to Bailey to find out a little more about what to expect…

Tell us about your career so far, how did BeGreatFitness begin and how have you got to where you are now?

My journey began during a challenging period in my life when I felt stuck and unmotivated. I decided to go for a run in jeans and plimsolls, which marked the start of a significant turnaround. With a desire to help others, I founded BeGreatFitness at just 17, focusing on making fitness accessible, especially in care homes. Today, I'm proud to have built a platform that not only promotes physical health but also brings joy and purpose to those who need it most.

How can care providers introduce more physical activity into the lives of their residents or service users? What are some quick wins?

Introducing physical activity in care settings can be as simple as incorporating light, enjoyable exercises like gentle stretching routines, which I’ve found to be highly effective. These activities can be tailored to the residents' abilities, making them inclusive and fun. Quick wins include starting with short sessions focused on movement and engagement, such as seated exercises or interactive games, which can significantly enhance residents' physical and mental well-being.

[Photo taken at Tanglewood Care Homes]

Why is this such an important thing to be doing?

Physical activity is crucial for maintaining not just physical health, but also mental and emotional well-being. For elderly residents, staying active helps prevent mobility issues, boosts mood, and fosters a sense of community. It’s about more than just exercise; it’s about giving people a reason to smile and feel alive, even in their later years. Through initiatives like ours, we see firsthand how these activities can transform lives.

What is the importance of National Fitness Day?

National Fitness Day is a powerful reminder of the importance of staying active. It encourages everyone, regardless of age or ability, to prioritise physical health. For us at BeGreatFitness, it's a day to showcase how fitness can be fun and accessible for everyone, especially those in care settings. It’s an opportunity to spread awareness and inspire others to integrate more activity into their daily routines.

National Fitness Day 2024 is taking place on Wednesday 18 September, check out the website to find out how to get involved: https://www.nationalfitnessday.com/

Tell us about your most memorable day at work

One of my most memorable days was when I worked with a gentleman named Nick, who had suffered a stroke. We used boxing as a way to engage him in physical activity, focusing on improving his mobility. Seeing him light up and successfully complete the session was incredibly rewarding. It’s moments like these that remind me why I do what I do.

What has been the proudest moment in your career so far?

The proudest moment of my career has been seeing the impact of our programmes on the elderly community. Watching videos of our sessions go viral and receiving messages from people whose lives we’ve touched has been overwhelming. Knowing that what we’re doing is making a difference is something I take great pride in.

[Photo taken at Tanglewood Care Homes]

What is something you are still looking forward to achieving in your career?

I’m looking forward to expanding BeGreatFitness even further, reaching more communities and making fitness accessible to even more vulnerable groups. My goal is to continue innovating and finding new ways to engage people in physical activity, ensuring that no one is left behind, regardless of their circumstances.

What can we expect from your speaking session at Care Show Birmingham?

At the Care Show Birmingham, I'll be discussing the importance of exercise in care homes and how it can improve residents' well-being. Additionally, I'll touch on the effective use of social media in care homes to engage communities and attract new residents. My session will provide practical tips and insights on both topics, helping care providers enhance the lives of those they serve and better fill their homes.

Bailey’s session, ‘Beyond boundaries: inclusive exercise for everybody’ will take place on Day 2 of Care Show Birmingham, 10th October, from 11:05-11:35, in the People, Workforce & Wellbeing Theatre

Outside of your work in the care sector, what do you enjoy doing?

Outside of work, I enjoy staying active myself, spending time with my family and friends, and love creating content that inspires others to stay fit and healthy, whether through social media or in-person events. It’s important to me to practise what I preach and maintain a balanced, healthy lifestyle.

 

Check out the BeGreatFitness website to follow along with the incredible work of Bailey and his team: https://www.begreatfitness.org/