DARWEN residents now have access to a health buddy to help them kick start a better lifestyle.

Shirley Holden, 56, from the Sunnyhurst area, has been appointed as the Darwen and rural health trainer as part of the council’s Re:fresh initiative to improve residents’ health and wellbeing.

More like a life coach or a buddy than a personal trainer, she will encourage people to set their own goals and to make changes, such as losing weight or giving up cigarettes.

The mum of two has herself had a change of direction in life and feels she can relate to people who need some reassurance.

Before taking up what she now says is her dream job, she had worked as a customer service officer in a bank.

She began volunteering as a counsellor in her spare time and undertook a degree in counselling with health studies.

Shirley also a trained in neuro-linguistic programming, which uses the power of positive thinking to help people achieve their goals.

She said: “I want to be able to people them to make the best of themselves.

“I feel like I’ve changed my life myself and I can help others do the same.”

Shirley can provide one-to-one support and information over 12 sessions and also has a team of volunteers to assist.

She can also give workshops to groups on a range of health issues including diet and exercise, drugs and alcohol, smoking cessation and sexual health.

Individually she will help clients look at their lives and see how they can live a healthier lifestyle.

“It’s very much about taking small steps to change. You’re not going to do it overnight.

“I can be a buddy for someone. If they have a burning ambition to do something like going to a gym or to give up smoking I can go along to a session with that person to support them.

“Hopefully they will eventually be able to go along on their own”, she said.

Director for culture, leisure and sport, Steve Rigby said: “Our aim in Blackburn with Darwen is to help people start living better and start living longer.

“These health trainers are just part of our commitment to give people the help they need to help themselves live a healthier lifestyle.”

Two other life coaches work in Blackburn South East and South West.