Joining our advisor team in April, sporty Niamh is passionate about helping people to become active and healthy. As a big animal lover, Niamh enjoys spending time with her dog, Farley and uses her creative talents to keep him warm on winter walks. Find out more about one of our newest team members.
Experience
Health and fitness have always been a big part of my life; growing up I was involved in lots of different sports including swimming, athletics, hockey and netball. Through my degree studies in Biological Sciences, focusing in my final year on tropical diseases and global health, I realised the true impact that accurate and accessible health education has on the quality of people’s lives. This led me to pursue a career in public health, promoting the benefits of a healthy and active lifestyle.
Job Role
As a Livewell advisor, I will be supporting people to reach their weight loss goals or to stop smoking. This will be through a mixture of group sessions, discussing nutrition and physical activity as well as 1:1 meetings and telephone calls to provide more tailored support. Once I have completed my fitness instructor qualification, I hope to be able to run some exercise classes too!
Me in Three Words
Determined, caring and conscientious.
My Favourite Meal
I have been really enjoying Thai food recently, so probably a massaman curry or pad Thai.
My Passion/Interests
I absolutely love animals, and have had some interesting pets over the years, including chickens! I’m on the look-out for dogs to make friends with wherever I go, much to the annoyance of my own dog, Farley. I spend a lot of my free time walking Farley around different areas of Derbyshire, and one of our favourite places to visit is Chatsworth.
I’m also very crafty, I love making things; painting, drawing, knitting, sewing. I’m yet to master crochet, so if anyone has any tips, let me know! I knitted Farley a Christmas jumper when he was a puppy - it was more like a crop top by the time I’d finished as he had grown so much.
My Best Achievement
Definitely finishing my degree in the middle of a global pandemic.
What You Might Be Surprised to Hear About Me
A few years ago, I travelled to Japan on a school exchange with a group of people I had never met before. It was such an amazing experience, and it taught me how much I can achieve when I put my mind to something – and also to keep saying yes to things that scare me!
My Top Lifestyle Tips
Don’t try to change too many things at once. I’m a perfectionist at heart, and so often get caught up in trying to do everything perfectly. I know all too well that this way of thinking won’t lead to long-term results. Make small and gradual changes to your habits and lifestyle – as these become part of your daily routine, you can start to look at incorporating new goals and celebrating the positive changes you have made in your life.
My Favourite Quote
“If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.”
Maya Angelou
