So we have medical conditions. We can still be fit. We can still go on a group expedition. We can still do a job, and not be a hazard.

[SmallButMighty]

I was honest and sensible, I thought, when I explained my medical conditions to group leaders of various organisations. But apparently my medical issues are risks, and the best organisations don't want to take those risks. But what if I had tested my control over my medical issues? What if I could go to a sports instructor, outdoor organisation, or job, with the confidence that my health will not be hazard to myself or to others? And what if insurance companies accepted this, with proof, from a reputable organisation? What if they too had the confidence that I was able?

ACTT Training is a Meetup group that I've set up. It's open to everybody, whatever your physical or mental condition, disability, or ability. It is a social, fitness, strength, and nutrition group that is aimed to help people with medical conditions who want to participate in sporting activities or trips abroad but need to give themselves and organisations or insurance companies the confidence that they will not put themselves at risk by doing so.

In the short time since I've launched the group, personal trainers, sports instructors, a physiotherapist, and individuals in the medical profession, as well as those with serious or chronic medical conditions have joined. Each session will be run by a member of the group, and I'm keeping the prices as low as possible, if not free. For our first training event, if at least 5 people attend, you will not be charged more than £4. This only covers the price of renting facilities for the evening, and I don't earn a thing.

I'm really excited about where ACTT Training might be heading, but I need to gather interest for the next event at short notice (THIS SUNDAY). So, regardless of your condition or disability, come and join ACTT Training at our first Tai Chi event, near London Bridge Underground Station.* Hey, you can even invite your friends, family, physios, sports instructors, doctors, and fellow sufferers. Just let me know if you're coming and you've got any specific requirements.

*Please note that if there are not enough members, this event may be postponed.

Full details:

Address:

The Basement, Trowbray House, The Leathermarket, 108 Weston Street, SE1 3QB, London

Time: 7-8pm

Date: Sunday 10th November. THAT'S THIS SUNDAY!

Nearest station: London Bridge, but it is a 10 minute walk from the underground station.

Disabled access: Yes.

Price: If at least 5 people attend, the price will not be more than £3. Please invite your friends!

The best thing I think this group already offers you: cheap access to personal trainers, physiotherapists, sports instructors, and more, and the chance to combine the very best advice from different experts.

Find us on Meetup.com: meetup.com/ACTT-Training/ev...

We expect to have a climbing session in December, and quite a few socials...

Please note that we value the skills of members, and currently train on a social basis, at our own risk. It makes sense to launch this as a social group, and make it more professional as time goes on. Help me reach this goal!

[Issy]

I've never found any organisation worried about hypothyroidism.

[SmallButMighty in reply to Issy]

Hello,

I've found that organisations are more concerned when there are combinations of medical conditions, which seems to be common with thyroid issues.

Also, if you've ever felt like your hypo makes doing a sport or job more difficult, the group aims to help with that too.

[Stourie]

Work certainly aren't worried by hypothyroidism.

Jo xx

[nickym1]

I could not get travel insurance to cover my thyroid cancer this year, following two op's and RAI, despite being otherwise fit and healthy. However, I'm nowhere near to attend. Good luck.

[shellybelly_71 in reply to nickym1]

Good to go insurance. No problems x

[jmd1157 in reply to nickym1]

Is it quiet recent that you had your op's and RAI? I no longer have a problem getting insurance (21 years post op RAI).

[jmd1157 in reply to jmd1157]

Quite not quiet. lol

[nickym1 in reply to jmd1157]

Yes, all done this year ..... however, will check out shellybelly's suggestion

[SmallButMighty in reply to nickym1]

Hello, I'm sorry to hear about your struggles finding insurance.

In terms of location, while the majority of our meetups will be in London, I'm planning to have trips elsewhere, or to reach out to different parts of the country. If you'd like to join the Meetup group then I can let you know when this happens.

Louise

[sandrad]

I went for a job interview knowing I had more than the relevant experience and excellent references - declared the hypothyroidism - didn't get job (even though an agency therefore mulltiple recruit). I went for another job interview which to be honest I had very little experience to offer - did not declare hypothyroidism - offered job on the spot!

[JennyC2 in reply to sandrad]

I am too far away to attend but wish you luck. I hope it goes well. Jx

[SmallButMighty in reply to JennyC2]

Thank you. If you want to join the Meetup group (meetup.com/ACTT-Training/#), I may be able to let you know if there will be events in different parts of the country. I'm sure the majority will be in London, but I'd like to spread out a little!

[JennyC2 in reply to SmallButMighty]

Great. Thx

[SmallButMighty in reply to sandrad]

I'm sorry to hear about this. I don't think we should be put in the position of having to lie, or pretend that we don't have something, just because organisations don't want to take a risk on us. As well as the thyroid side of things, I'm quite interested in nutrition (look up Freedom Eating). It seems to me that more and more people have digestive symptoms. Those with perfect health are surely in the minority by now? It all seems wrong.

[galathea]

My hypothyroidism is under control so I see no reason why I should declare it to anyone!

[Hidden]

What an excellent idea, too far to be practical for me, but all the best of luck and I would be interested to know how it goes.

[SmallButMighty in reply to Hidden]

Thank you! Join the Meetup group (meetup.com/ACTT-Training/)? Then I will be able to keep you informed of progress and any meetups that may be happening nearer you.

Louise

[Angel54]

Im a long way away but wishing you Good Luck xxx

[SmallButMighty in reply to Angel54]

Thank you very much for the luck. As I'm saying to others, if you want to join the Meetup group (meetup.com/ACTT-Training/) then you'll be able to see if there are any meetups nearer where you are. I definitely don't plan to stay in London only!

Louise

[glo42]

I also live too far away to attend but it sounds a good and positive venture and I wish you luck.

[SmallButMighty in reply to glo42]

Thank you. As you can probably see from my other comments here, I'm inviting people to join the Meetup group. I'd like to run some Meetups in other parts of the country, whether these are just trips, or more frequent. I think it would be nice to have members spread out across the country. If you join the Meetup group, then you'll be able to see if (when) I manage to run these events.

Louise

[frame1]

Live in Scotland but a super idea. Good luck. I hope you get the numbers

[SmallButMighty in reply to frame1]

Cheers. We may be running some trips to Scotland at some point! Join the Meetup group (meetup.com/ACTT-Training/#) so you don't miss out?

[donna]

Brilliant idea! I wish you well with your venture...I would be interested in coming to future tai hi at london bridge..but not this Sunday.will view your meet up ite..good luck x. Ps is it worth posting on as many HU forums as you can?

[SmallButMighty in reply to donna]

Fantastic. Well, there is every chance that this Sunday's event will be postponed, so why not join the Meetup group (meetup.com/ACTT-Training/) so that you can find out details of future events?

Good idea re posting on HU forums. I've already posted on one other, but will start posting more. Thanks!

Louise

[Rufie]

Top Dog insurance no problem! Just have 2 pay an extra £3 per medical condition. Xxx

[Hidden]

I think that's a really good idea and wish you good luck! The only way that I can deal with being hypo is by pootling around on my mountain bike in the countryside although it's incredibly frustrating not being able to do what I used to!

Fresh air and exercise can have such a positive effect on well-being so it's really good to know that all people, whatever their physical and mental condition, can participate.

Please do report back!

[SmallButMighty in reply to Hidden]

Thank you so much for your comment. We are aiming to do lots of outdoor activities and trips. I will post here about the group, but you'll see a lot more if you join the Meetup group (meetup.com/ACTT-Training/).

Louise