If you’d like more tailored support, there are a number of local services available for those who meet specific eligibility criteria. Find out more below about what each service offers and how to access it.    

Age UK Walking Groups (In-person)

What it is   

A friendly and accessible walking scheme run by Age UK South Gloucestershire, designed to help older people become more active, build confidence, and connect with others.  

Weekly group walks take place across South Gloucestershire and are led by trained walk leaders; each walk is tailored to the needs and abilities of participants.   

Who it’s for   

Adults aged 50 and over who:  

• Have not taken part in regular exercise for some time  

• Have poor mobility or a physical limitation  

• Feel nervous or lack confidence walking alone  

• Experience social isolation or feel housebound  

How to access   

Complete a referral form (you can complete this yourself, or someone can complete it on your behalf) and send it back to the Walking Project team. 
 
You can learn more about the programme at:    

Age UK South Gloucestershire | Walking Groups or the Walking Project team can be contacted via walking@ageuksouthglos.org.uk or on 01454 411707 (Option 5).   

  

Health and Happiness Hubs (In-person)

What it is  

Friendly, informal group sessions that support adults with long-term health conditions to improve their health and wellbeing. Each hub is led by a dedicated Health & Wellbeing Coach and includes discussions on topics such as being active, sleep, managing stress, eating well, and setting achievable goals.   

There are five hubs across the area: Bradley Stoke, Cadbury Heath, Kingswood, Thornbury and Yate.  

Who it’s for  

Adults aged 40-70 living in South Gloucestershire with one or more long-term health conditions, which may include:   

• Hypertension / high blood pressure   

• Type 2 diabetes or pre-diabetes   

• Being above a healthy weight   

• Anxiety or mild depression   

• Chronic pain or painful conditions   

• Coronary heart disease   

How to access  

This is a free service provided by Southern Brooks Community Partnership.   

You can:   

• Complete a self-referral form online  

• Call 0117 403 4238   

• Or ask your GP practice to refer you to the Care Co-ordinator or Social Prescriber    

  

Healthy Lifestyles on Referral (In-person)

What it is   

A specialist physical activity programme run by Active Lifestyle Centres across South Gloucestershire designed for people living with long-term health conditions or recovering from injury or surgery. The service offers a personalised consultation, a tailored exercise plan, and specialist classes (such as yoga, Pilates, group exercise) in a supportive environment.  

There is a very small initial consultation fee and activities are provided at a vastly reduced cost.  

Who it’s for   

Adults aged 18 and over who meet the following criteria:  

• Registered with a GP in South Gloucestershire  

• Meet at least one of the Clinical Inclusion Referral criteria (this can be confirmed by your GP)  

• Sufficiently motivated to want to increase their physical activity levels  

• Be inactive (not currently meeting the Chief Medical Officer’s recommendation for physical activity of 150 minutes per week)   

How to access   

You can speak to your GP to find out if you’re eligible and request a referral.   

You can learn more about the programme at HEALTHY LIFESTYLE ON REFERRAL SCHEME – Active Centres  

 

Feeling Better in South Gloucestershire

What it is  

A free support service to help residents increase their physical activity through onetoone sessions. You’ll be supported to set goals, offered personalised guidance and be connected to local activity opportunities.  

Who it’s for   

Adults aged 18 and over who meet the following criteria:  

• Those who are physically inactive   

• South Gloucestershire resident   

How to access   

You can speak to your GP or a member of the One You South Gloucestershire team to find out if you’re eligible and request a referral.   

You can learn more about the programme at Physical Activity Link Workers – Southern Brooks Community Partnerships  

 

Healthy Weight Programme for Adults (In-person)

What it is  

A free 14-week programme delivered by Active Lifestyle Centres across South Gloucestershire. The programme includes five group support sessions and unlimited access to leisure facilities for the duration of the programme.   

Group options are available at Bradley Stoke, Yate, Kingswood and Thornbury Leisure Centres, with daytime, evening and men-only sessions.   

Who it’s for  

Adults aged 18 and over who meet the following criteria:   

• BMI ≥30 with no co-morbidities (or ≥28 with co-morbidities, or ≥27.5 for people of Black African, African-Caribbean, or Asian origin)  

• A South Gloucestershire resident or registered with a South Gloucestershire GP  

• Clinically stable and not pregnant  

• No history of, or ongoing, eating disorder  

How to access  

You can be referred by the One You South Gloucestershire team. Complete the One You online contact form and a member of the team will be in touch within 10 working days.