Worcestershire’s free health improvement programme, Healthy Worcestershire, is already making a positive impact on residents’ physical and mental health while helping to ease winter pressures on the NHS.
Recent data reveals that seven in ten participants have experienced improvements in their strength, balance, and flexibility. A similar proportion report that the programme is helping them reduce their need for A&E visits and hospital stays.
These findings come from the latest participant survey, on the benefits of attending Healthy Worcestershire sessions. Encouragingly, 99 per cent of respondents reported that their lifestyle has become healthier as a direct result of taking part.
Maggie, from Upton, regularly attends sessions at The Hill Centre and has noticed a significant improvement in her mobility:
“I love the exercises. I have osteoarthritis in my knees, and since joining the programme, I’ve noticed they’ve become stronger. I also really enjoy the social aspect.”
Beyond physical benefits, many participants have highlighted improvements in their mental wellbeing. Martin, who attends sessions at Sandycroft in Redditch, shared his experience:
“I’ve gained a lot of self-confidence. Meeting other people has really helped me, and the exercises have improved my shoulder injury too. Definitely give it a go! Don’t just try it for one week, stick with it for a few weeks.”
The programme was launched in summer 2024. Healthy Worcestershire delivers weekly group sessions in local communities, providing a fun and engaging way for people to stay active while building social connections. The programme continues to evolve based on participant feedback, with new initiatives such as smart health monitoring devices now available to track body weight, body fat percentage, skeletal muscle mass, bone mass, and body water percentage.
The initiative has earned praise from health leaders, including Chief Medical Officer Professor Chris Whitty, who visited the programme in late 2024. He described his visit as “inspiring” and recognised the programme as “clearly very well run and appreciated by the people there.”
Dr Lisa McNally, Director of Public Health for Worcestershire, emphasised the programme’s person-centred approach: “Healthy Worcestershire is about giving people the information and support they need to take control of their health. We actively listen to our participants to ensure the programme meets their needs.”
Councillor David Ross, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, also praised the initiative: “The achievements of Healthy Worcestershire in such a short time are remarkable. This programme is laying the foundation for sustained improvements in residents’ health and wellbeing. A sincere thank you to everyone involved.”
With 23 venues already operating across the county and more set to open in the coming months, the programme continues to expand its reach.
To find a session near you, visit healthyworcestershire.org.uk.