In Barnsley, Active Together is a free cancer prehabilitation and rehabilitation programme. With 93 referrals in the past 12 months, a blended delivery model with NHS physiotherapists, and an independently verified 95% one-year survival rate compared to 85% for those who declined.
In Bassetlaw, BPL’s Long Term Exercise Referral Programme supports patients referred across cardiac, respiratory, MSK, neurological and mental health pathways. In 2025/26, 864 referrals were received. Of the patients completing the 12-week programme, 100% are still exercising. 95% reported improved health and wellbeing, with referral to first session achieved in just five working days.
Together, these programmes demonstrate BPL’s Health & Wellbeing model at its most powerful – community leisure and the NHS designing and delivering care together, reaching the most deprived communities, reducing the burden on clinical services and transforming the lives of people facing life-changing diagnoses.
Balanced Life is Edinburgh Leisure’s redesigned evidence-based falls prevention programme, delivered in partnership with the Edinburgh Health & Social Care Partnership (EHSCP). Its innovation lies in combining NHS-informed falls prevention, pathway integration, person-centred assessment and long-term progression into community physical activity.
It builds on Edinburgh Leisure’s long-standing falls prevention service, established in 2012. Following a comprehensive redesign – informed by participant feedback, programme evaluation, instructor insight and NHS evidence – Balanced Life relaunched in July 2025, expanding from 34 to 65 classes weekly across 10 Edinburgh Leisure and two community venues, and increasing capacity from 1,152 to 2,232 participants annually.
Movement at the Museum was created to address a significant barrier facing many older adults and people living with long-term health conditions: traditional gym and leisure environments can feel intimidating, inaccessible, or irrelevant to their needs.
In partnership with Corinium Museum, Cotswold District Council and Freedom Leisure, an innovative community-based alternative was born that brings physical activity into a trusted and welcoming cultural setting.
The programme combines gentle movement, Tai Chi-inspired exercises, balance and mobility work, breathing techniques and chair-based options to ensure accessibility for all abilities. Sessions conclude with refreshments and social time, helping participants build connections and friendships.
Live Well Newham (LWN) is a community-based health and wellbeing programme delivered by GLL in partnership with Newham Council, Public Health, Voluntary and Community Organisations, and the East London Integrated Care team. Launched in May 2025, the programme aims to reduce health inequalities and make healthy lifestyle support more accessible to local residents.
During its first year, more than 1,000 residents aged 4-96 took part in four programmes: Adult Weight Management, Xplore Children and Family Healthy Lifestyle, Better Balance (Falls Prevention), and Physical Activity on Referral (PARS).
LWN brings support into trusted community settings such as schools, libraries, places of worship, foodbanks and community venues, as well as Better Leisure Centres. The programme works closely with VCS organisations to overcome cultural, language and accessibility barriers, while helping residents progress towards longer-term physical activity and healthier lifestyles.
