Layla

A highly experienced and qualified Health & Fitness Coordinator, Exercise Referral Specialist and Nutritional Therapist with over 25 years in the sector. Combines advanced qualifications in exercise referral (Level 4), nutrition, and behaviour change to design and deliver effective health improvement programmes. Proven expertise in managing community health projects, leading multidisciplinary teams, and providing tailored support for clients with diverse medical conditions, including weight management, diabetes, COPD, and mental health.

A skilled communicator adept at building partnerships with stakeholders, GPs, and community organisations.

Health Coordinator - West Ham United Foundation - 60 Albatross Close, London E6 5NX

(2016-01 - 2026-05)

• Hold strategic responsibility for the development and delivery of community health initiatives.
• Coordinate programmes and partnerships to promote healthy lifestyles across key demographics.

Active Lifestyle Advisor/Coordinator - Active Newham, Newham Council - The Old Dispensary, 30 Romford Rd, Stratford, London E15 4BZ

(1995-01 - 2016-12)

• Career Progression: Advanced from GP Referral & Exercise to Music Instructor to a senior advisory and coordination role over a 21-year tenure.
• Coordinated public health and physical activity programmes across the local community.
• Recruited, managed, and mentored a team of staff and instructors.
• Devised and delivered specialised exercise programmes for clients with a range of medical conditions, conducting physiological assessments (e.g., BP, blood glucose/HbA1c, BMI).
• Led stakeholder engagement, liaising with and presenting to GP surgeries, community organisations, and funders.
• Organised and delivered health promotion events and weight management programmes.
• Managed reporting and accountability to funding bodies.

Physical Activity Referral Specialist - London Borough of Havering - Health & Sports Development, Stableblock, Hornchurch RM11 1XJ

(2012-01 - 2015-12)

• Specialised in designing and overseeing exercise referral pathways for clients with specific medical conditions.
• Worked collaboratively with health and sports development teams to implement targeted interventions.

Physical Activity Referral Instructor - Havering PCT - Ingrebourne Centre, St George's Hospital, Hornchurch RM12

(2007-01 - 2012-12)

• Delivered prescribed exercise programmes to referred patients within a primary care trust setting.
• Monitored client progress and adapted routines to meet individual health goals.

Exercise to Music Instructor - Various

(1996-01 - 2026-12)

Extensive freelance portfolio delivering a diverse range of fitness classes to varied populations.

• Expertise includes: Swing Dance, Aerobics, Body Conditioning, LBT, Circuit Training, Kickboxercise, Chair-Based Exercise (for COPD & seniors), Stretch & Relaxation (adults & children), and Personal Training.

Kickboxercise instructor – Course Trainer - Fox Fitness Training - Chichester

(1999-01 - 2000-12)

• Instructed group classes and contributed to trainer development programmes.

Nutritional Therapist, Consultant & Educator - Freelance & Contract Positions

(2003-01 - 2018-12)

A portfolio of roles delivering expert nutritional services, education, and programme coordination across public, private, and community sectors.

• Private Practice & Clinic Work: Provide confidential, one-to-one consultations and personalised plans for private patients at NutritionWise Clinic and Intouch Therapies.
• Public Health Programme Delivery: Serve as a lead facilitator and coordinator for key public health initiatives, including:
• MOMENTA Coach/Coordinator - Active Newham: Coordinate and deliver adult weight management courses.
• MEND Theory Leader Havering PCT/LBH: Lead family and children's weight management programmes.
• CHANGE 4 LIFE Theory Leader London Borough of Barking & Dagenham: Facilitate healthy lifestyle programmes.
• Nutritional Education & Training: Design and deliver engaging seminars and workshops for diverse audiences on topics including weight management, brain nutrition, and healthy eating for clients such as East Thames Group, Ed Art, and Sheffield Education Authority.
• Community Health Promotion: Act as a resident therapist at public health fairs and events (e.g., Harrow Health Fair), providing general/public nutrition advice, healthy recipes, and specific consultations.
• Creative & Youth Engagement: Devise and deliver interactive food/nutrition workshops for all school ages. Previously performed in and consulted on Theatre in Education (TIE) productions ("Feeding the Future," "Food 4 Thought") to communicate health messages creatively.

Nutritional Therapist - Consultant & Performer - Chain Reaction Theatre Co.

(2005-01 - 2015-12)

• Consulted on nutritional content and performed in educational theatre productions at Three Mills Studios, Stratford.
• Applied creative communication strategies to engage young audiences on topics of health and nutrition through Theatre in Education (TIE).

Diploma - Nutritional Therapy - Institute of Optimum Nutrition (2000-01 - 2003-12)

Level 3 Certificate - Exercise Referral - Gayton and Wright Foundation

Level 2 Certificate - Exercise to Music - RSA/YMCA

Level 2 Certificate - Gym Instruction - CYQ

Level 2 Certificate - Indoor Cycling - Unknown

Certificate - Fitness Assessment & Exercise Counselling - Unknown

Certificate - Gym Supervisor - Unknown

Certificate - Kickboxercise Instructor - Unknown

Diploma - Acting - Drama Studio, London

Diploma - Pharmacy - Unknown