A growing success story: Healthy Worcestershire secures new funding
Worcestershire County Council’s Cabinet has approved a further £147,000 investment to continue the Healthy Worcestershire programme for a minimum of three more years, reflecting its position as one of the county’s most successful and nationally recognised public health initiatives.
Since its launch in 2024, Healthy Worcestershire has become a flagship programme, supporting residents to improve their physical, mental and social wellbeing. As Worcestershire’s population ages and pressure on health and social care grows, the programme stands out as a vital preventative service that is both highly effective and warmly received by local communities.
Healthy Worcestershire helps residents become more active, build social connections, quit smoking, and maintain a healthy weight through accessible, enjoyable and supportive local activities.
The programme offers:
- 30 weekly in‑person sessions across the county
- One online session for those who prefer remote participation
- Gentle exercise tailored to all abilities
- Weekly talks on a wide range of health topics
- Opportunities to meet others and build friendships
- Telephone‑based stop‑smoking support
- Online nutrition and lifestyle courses, offering flexibility for those with limited time or mobility
Crucially, all programme locations are chosen using population‑level data such as deprivation indices and hospital admissions. This ensures that services reach the communities where they are needed most. More than 1,000 residents have taken part so far, with strong improvements reported across nearly every area of wellbeing. In addition, over 500 residents have successfully quit smoking through Healthy Worcestershire’s support model. People taking part are very happy with the programme. It has a Net Promoter Score of 75, which means most people would strongly recommend it to others. Residents often say they like the friendly atmosphere, the supportive staff, and the mix of activities, including dance sessions, gentle exercise, and practical health talks.
The newly approved funding forms part of Phase II of Healthy Worcestershire, which will expand its reach and increase community impact. The enhanced programme will provide additional face-to-face physical activity and wellbeing sessions, expanded stop‑smoking support, including new in-person clinics in each district, and continued targeted delivery in the county’s 14 priority neighbourhoods
As other public health teams around the country look to replicate this model, Healthy Worcestershire is now seen as a blueprint for best practice, a shining example of how preventative, community-centred approaches can improve lives, reduce pressure on services, and build healthier, more connected communities.
To find out more about the programme visit: www.worcestershire.gov.uk/healthyworcestershire