Exercise and Activity Directory

Active Essex

Active Partnership

Active Essex is the Physical Activity and Sport Partnership for Essex, Southend and Thurrock, and are one of 43 Active Partnerships in England who work collaboratively with local partners to ensure the power of physical activity and sport can transform lives.

With a vision to create an active Essex to improve everyone’s health and wellbeing, their headline campaign ‘Find Your Active’, highlights the many ways residents can get active, and includes an online activity channel, funding opportunities and an activity finder. They are passionate about strengthening communities, providing tools to enable our young to have the best and most healthy start to life, create attractive local spaces and places to encourage people to be active, and ensure good physical and mental wellbeing can be accessed by everyone.

View Website

Livewell

Supported by 13 local authorities and NHS partners, the Livewell campaign is designed to engage communities, families and individuals with the aim of providing information about all that is on offer in Essex to improve health and wellbeing and ultimately work towards achieving better health outcomes for people across the county. Activities on offer include, Cycling for Health, Walking in Essex and Local Gentle Activities amongst others.

View Website

FREE Joint Pain Programme – Chelmsford

Nuffield Health

A free 12-week Joint Pain Programme embracing the idea that physical activity can manage and prevent joint pain issues. Designed by experts in physical and mental health combining education, physical activity and emotional wellbeing support. And it works… People completing the programme report a significant improvement in symptoms, an improvement in quality of life and feel better able to manage in the long term. In addition to expert advice and hands-on instruction, the programme is delivered in the Nuffield Health Fitness and Wellbeing Centres across the UK in groups of up to ten people, creating a support network and helping you to achieve your goals as a team. You will receive free complete access to all facilities at the Fitness and Wellbeing Centre during the duration of the programme and a significantly discounted full membership after. For more information and how to self refer, please visit their website.

View Website

FREE Joint Pain Programme – Chigwell

Nuffield Health

A free 12-week Joint Pain Programme embracing the idea that physical activity can manage and prevent joint pain issues. Designed by experts in physical and mental health combining education, physical activity and emotional wellbeing support. And it works… People completing the programme report a significant improvement in symptoms, an improvement in quality of life and feel better able to manage in the long term. In addition to expert advice and hands-on instruction, the programme is delivered in the Nuffield Health Fitness and Wellbeing Centres across the UK in groups of up to ten people, creating a support network and helping you to achieve your goals as a team. You will receive free complete access to all facilities at the Fitness and Wellbeing Centre during the duration of the programme and a significantly discounted full membership after. For more information and how to self refer, please visit their website.

View Website

LEAP Exercise Referral Scheme – Colchester

Leisure World Colchester Borough Council

The Life Enhancing Activity Programme (LEAP) is a scheme for Health Professionals to refer patients (self-referral is also possible!) to Leisure World Colchester for an activity programme designed specifically for people with health issues, such as arthritis. There are even Osteoarthritis Classes available for those with knee and hip pain problems including pre and post joint replacement surgery.

View Website

Wellness Walks Colchester

Colchester Borough Council

Walking is an ideal way to improve fitness, mobility and overall wellbeing whilst also meeting new people within a social environment. All walks are free and led by fully trained Volunteer Walk Leaders. Everyone is welcome to join a walk, which currently start at Highwoods Country Park on alternate Fridays and Sundays.  There is no need to book in advance, simply arrive at the visitors centre ten minutes before the walks starts. Please visit their website for exact dates and times for all walks.

View Website

Everyone Health: Southend-on-Sea

Commissioned by Southend City Council, Everyone Health offers a range of programmes including Adult Weight Management and Physical Activity services for people aged 16 and over. Everyone Health Adult Weight Management service helps those with a raised BMI to lose weight, eat healthier and get more active. It is a FREE 12-week programme, with a 6 and 12 month follow up, delivered by qualified Nutritionists and Physical Activity Specialists. Alternatively, you can choose to join Slimming World or Weight Watchers UK for 12 weeks free. Everyone Health also offers a 12 week Physical Activity Programme including FREE 1 hour exercise classes including circuits, dance class, boxing classes and much more.  If you are aged 65+ who have had a fall or at risk of a fall you may also be eligible for a FREE 36 weeks Falls Prevention Service including informative sessions and exercises. To check eligibility and to book a place please see our website for more details.

View Website