The NHS Health Improvement Fund supported the Lisa Dixon Centre in Haswell to deliver twice-weekly exercise sessions for adults with disabilities.
Over 50 weeks, 47 people took part in sessions designed around their needs, helping them build strength, confidence and social connection close to home.
When exercise isn’t easy
Regular physical activity can help people manage their health, improve strength and mobility, and support mental wellbeing. But for many adults with disabilities, getting active is not as simple as joining a local class.
Cost, travel, confidence and health conditions can all get in the way. Some activities are not designed with different needs in mind, which means people can miss out even when they would benefit from taking part.
The Active Lives Adult Survey November 2023–24 shows that adults with a disability or long-term health condition are less likely to be active than those without one. Only 48% are active, compared with 69% of adults without a disability or long-term health condition.
The NHS Health Improvement Fund, managed by Point North, supports voluntary and community organisations across County Durham and Darlington to improve health and wellbeing locally. Awards of up to £7,500 help frontline groups cover the costs of projects designed around people’s needs.
Lisa Dixon Centre’s story: getting stronger together
The Lisa Dixon Centre in Haswell welcomes adults aged 19 to 60 and older with a range of disabilities, including learning difficulties, mental health challenges and mobility issues.
Many people who attend the centre also volunteer there, helping in the shop, kitchen, gardens and events. Fitness and social connection were a natural next step for a community already built around support, routine and belonging.
With support from the NHS Health Improvement Fund, the centre delivered tailored exercise sessions twice a week for 90 minutes. The sessions ran across 50 weeks and included seated and standing fitness, dance routines chosen by the group, and small team activities.
Holding the sessions locally helped remove barriers around cost and travel. People could take part somewhere familiar, with support from staff who understood their needs.
The sessions made a difference in several ways. People reported improved mobility, strength, flexibility and stamina. Some said regular movement helped them manage pain or long-term health conditions.
The sessions supported mental wellbeing too, helping to reduce anxiety, lift mood and build confidence.
The social side was just as important. People felt less isolated and more motivated. Taking part gave them a sense of achievement, as well as a regular reason to spend time with others.
Barry’s story
Barry lives with a severe learning difficulty and asthma. He needs clear instructions and ongoing support, and he was hesitant when he first joined the sessions.
The structure of the sessions helped. So did the music and rhythm. Barry could take part at his own pace, with routines he could learn and support he could trust. Over time, his mobility, stamina and asthma management improved. He also became more confident and proud to join in with new routines.
The project also brought wider benefits. Three new volunteers joined the programme, and local community spaces were used for regular sessions where people could exercise, talk and build friendships.
The difference the funding made
Tailored, inclusive activities can help people improve their health and feel more connected. For that to happen, people need activities they can afford, reach and take part in safely.
The Lisa Dixon Centre provided exercise sessions, and it also created a regular place where people could meet, move, laugh and feel included.
Through the NHS Health Improvement Fund, Point North helps funding reach local organisations that already understand the people they support. In Haswell, that meant 47 adults with disabilities could take part in regular exercise in a familiar, supportive space.
The value of the grant showed up in practical ways: people moving more easily, feeling less anxious, making friends and taking pride in what they could do.