Celebrating success: Peer mentor becomes BRIO Leisure ambassador

We’re incredibly proud to share the inspiring journey of Mandy Yasities, a peer mentor at our Ellesmere Port hub in Cheshire West and Chester. Mandy has recently become one of the faces of BRIO Leisure, which operates leisure centres across Cheshire and offers a wide range of health, fitness, and well-being services. Her story is a powerful example of hope, resilience, and determination. 

As part of Mandy Yasities’ recovery progress, she joined Via’s gym scheme in partnership with BRIO Leisure, starting with an induction that helped her ease into the program. Over time, she embraced the physical and mental health benefits of fitness, preferring group classes over the gym itself, and made regular attendance a key part of her recovery plan. 

Her consistent efforts and positive attitude have been truly transformative. Mandy is thriving in recovery and continues to encourage her peers to adopt similar routines. Her dedication caught the attention of BRIO Leisure, who invited her to participate in a photoshoot for their campaign. You may even spot her picture on bus shelter ads and billboards! Mandy’s role as one of BRIO’s ambassadors doesn’t stop there; she’s already scheduled for another photo shoot this spring. 

Her story is a testament to what can be achieved with determination, community support, and access to initiatives like the gym scheme. 

Here’s what Mandy Yasities had to say: “The BRIO Gym scheme has been an integral part of my recovery. It was suggested to me by my keyworker at the time – Amanda Casey at Unity House – around two years ago. I was apprehensive at first because of the stigma I thought I would face, but it was absolutely fine! It gave me a sense of purpose, something to achieve, and also something to fill my time. 

I have identified over the years that routine is very important to me in everyday life. Being able to book onto classes regularly gives me a routine that I can stick to and work around other things I have going on in my life, such as volunteering at Via! I absolutely love my volunteering and am learning lots – it’s really nice to be a part of a lovely, supportive, and encouraging team. 

Joining BRIO has definitely helped my recovery one hundred percent, and I am so happy to now be a part of their new campaign. It shows me how far I have come in the last two years, as there’s no way I would have done this then! I have had my struggles, as we all have, but the team at BRIO and the team at Via and Unity House have inspired me to carry on. I get loads of support and am able to use my own experiences to help others. It helps that people currently in service can see that there is hope and light at the end of the tunnel if you want it. Anything is possible!” 

Amanda Casey, manager at Via, said: “Mandy Yasities has shown what hard work and determination can do, and the positive impact it can have on your life in all areas.” 

Peter Davies, General Manager at BRIO Leisure said: “Unlike other clubs our centres are fully staffed with professional, qualified and passionate staff that genuinely want to help users improve their lifestyles, be it through exercise, wellbeing or socially.” 

Mel Cairns, Personal Trainer and Fitness Class Instructor said: “Mandy is an amazing example of the work we can do at Brio, and her positivity and determination has been an inspiration. A little extra support is so effective when someone really wants to change their life, but I have to say the real work came from her.” 

Diane Gavin, Receptionist at BRIO Leisure, said: “I first met Mandy Yasities through signing her up on the pilot scheme, and I am so proud and amazed with how dedicated she is. She is an absolute credit to the scheme due to her determination and dedication, come rain or shine. It has been an absolute pleasure to see Mandy grow and get to know her, which has become a lovely friendship.”