Nuffield Health Cheltenham Hospital is launching a free exercise programme designed to improve long-term conditions such as arthritis, osteoporosis, chronic pain, and breathlessness this October 2026.
According to Nuffield Health's Healthier Nation Index, only eight per cent of people living with a long-term condition have been advised to exercise, 81 per cent are not achieving the recommended 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week, and 21 per cent haven't exercised at all during the past year – something it hopes its Long-Term Conditions Programme will change for people in Gloucestershire.
Research shows that physical activity can play a major role in managing long-term health conditions by improving mobility, supporting mental wellbeing and helping people retain their independence for longer.
Nuffield's free 24-week programme is designed to get those living with chronic pain, fatigue and breathlessness exercising safely through structured physical activity, to help improve their health, wellbeing and confidence, and make exercise more accessible for the people who could benefit most from it.
Each participant receives a personalised exercise programme tailored to their needs, expert support from Nuffield's clinically trained rehabilitation specialists, group sessions with people who have similar challenges, health coaching, a free 24-week membership to participating Nuffield Health Fitness and Wellbeing Clubs, and ongoing progress assessments to help with motivation and building healthy habits.
The first 12 weeks include weekly, hour-long group sessions which combine tailored movement and health coaching, then during weeks 13 to 24 participants exercise independently and attend weekly drop-in sessions with their rehabilitation specialist.
Integrated services manager at Nuffield Health Cheltenham Hospital, Francesca Collett, said: 'We're incredibly excited to introduce the Long-Term Conditions Programme in Cheltenham.
'Giving patients the tools, support and confidence to better manage their health is what great care is all about, and we can't wait to see the impact it will have across our community.'
Nuffield Health Cheltenham Hospital's first 24-week programme begins on Monday 19 October 2026 at YMCA Sports Centre in Cheltenham and will continue year-round.
Participation in the programme is by referral from a healthcare professional, such as a GP, nurse, pharmacist, physiotherapist, social prescriber or wellbeing coach, while individuals without access to a referring healthcare professional can submit an enquiry for assessment.
For more information and to make a referral, visit nuffieldhealth.com/ltc, or to self-refer for physiotherapy at Nuffield Health Cheltenham Hospital, visit nuffieldhealth.com/physiotherapy/cheltenham.
