Words by Smiley Team
We’re constantly amazed by students who, alongside their studies, give up their time, skills and resources to give back to their communities.
Rosaria Barreto is an Exercise and Fitness Management graduate of the University of Portsmouth, who set up her own social enterprise: Vitality Hub Mature Movers.
The company is one with a difference – it’s a personal training business that works with people who are living with chronic illnesses, as well as individuals who struggle with everyday movement.
Rosaria originally started the Vitality Hub in 2018 – ”I always knew that I wanted to use my passion for sports and fitness to help others,” she tells Smiley News.
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“It didn't just come to me, it took time to finesse how I was going to achieve this and through experience and time I eventually found a way of doing that I adored and reaped so many rewards," she says.
Vitality Hub Mature Movers is a social enterprise that gives back in a variety of ways. “We are always working with many charities and non-profit organisations,” says Rosaria.
“We also offer free usage and discounts to people who may not have the ability to pay for services that are tailored to their needs through our Mature Movers services. Over 40% of our profit is reinvested into the work we do so that we can help more people.”
For example, Rosaria has worked with Every Step Counts (ESC), a walking group for older adults in west Kent. “Over lockdown, we provided online strength based workout sessions over an eight-week period and since then we have also provided a face-to-face project focused on social exercise combining a variety of fitness based classes combined with coffee and chat.”
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It’s incredibly important for Rosario to add meaning to her work. “I grew up with parents and role models who always encouraged me to live a healthy and active life,” she says. “I fell in love with sports and exercise from a very young age and knew how powerful it was for my own physical and mental health.
“But I also have a variety of family members and family friends who were unwell, and sedentary living had a strong part to play in their health. I watched how it only worsened the effects of their wellbeing and quality of life.
“So it was extremely important for me to be able to use my knowledge and skills to help people live happier, healthier and independent lives without relying on medication and the care of others.”
You can find out more about Rosaria’s social enterprise at vitalityhub.co.uk and read about her story of giving back on her university's blog.
