Health & Wellbeing of Adults Newsletter March 2026
Celebrating 5 Years of Live Longer Better
Join Active Kent & Medway as we celebrate five years of the Live Longer Better Network across Kent and Medway. Whether you’re an existing member or someone who’s thinking of joining the network, this FREE in-person event is open to everyone.
- Wednesday 29 April, 10:30 – 13:00, The Stour Centre, Ashford.
The event is an opportunity to share updates and connect with other network members. Guest speakers include Benna McInally, Kent County Council Public Health Specialist, who will talk about Age-Friendly Communities. Registration closes on 21 April 2026, so please book early to avoid disappointment. Lunch and refreshments will be provided.
Follow this link to register for the in-person Live Longer Better Network Event
Staying Active with Parkinson's
Active Kent & Medway recently had the pleasure of visiting the ‘Staying Active with Parkinson’s’ exercise class in Eastchurch, Isle of Sheppey and saw first-hand the power of being active together. Anne shares her experience of living with Parkinson’s and how the sessions are helping her stay active and positive. Class instructor Sarah explains the benefits of the sessions, highlighting the importance of movement, connection and laughter for people living with Parkinson’s.
The class began with support from Active Kent & Medway funding, working in collaboration with Sheppey Matters and the local Parkinson’s group. Now self-sustaining, it demonstrates our commitment to helping everyone enjoy an active lifestyle and live longer, healthier lives.
Foundation Doctor Training
Active Kent & Medway were recently invited by East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust to speak at their Green Social Prescribing workshop at the University of Kent. Our Health & Wellbeing Officer Michelle Bird spoke to over 150 Foundation Year 1 and Year 2 Doctors about green social prescribing opportunities in Kent and Medway.
Michelle, along with our Everyday Active Officer Yasmin Hosken, also delivered an Everyday Active workshop to a breakout group and actively discussed the benefits of physical activity and recommended guidelines, whilst encouraging attendees to march, balance on the spot and use resistance bands for simple strength exercises. The doctors were also given case study examples of patients with a variety of conditions and asked to find suitable activities on the Everyday Active website.
Follow this link to learn more about Everyday Active resources, training and activities
Everyday Active Workshop
The Everyday Active Workshop is for anyone wanting to improve their knowledge and understanding of the benefits of physical activity, to feel confident about having conversations with others to help get more people, more active across Kent and Medway.
“Both presenters clearly knowledgeable around physical activity and the benefits. Their natural passion for it shined through.” Attendee
Join us online for our next free workshop on Wednesday 22 April 2026, 10:00 – 11:00.
Everyday Active Partner Hub
Everyday Active has been designed to assist health practitioners in having effective conversations with their patients about physical activity, that can lead to meaningful and sustainable behaviour change. Another of our primary objectives is to help leisure providers and community organisations engage new audiences in physical activity.
On the Partner Hub you will find our partner toolkit, downloadable resources, training opportunities, physical activity guidelines and a range of partner resources such as links to disability and health condition specific information as well as local networks, local campaigns and national campaigns
Carers Active Together
Carers Active Together is a national day of celebration for carers and the power of movement. A day of national action promoting movement, wellbeing and the power of community for unpaid carers across the country.
On 15 April 2026, Carers Active are inviting everyone who looks after someone to join them by being active in a way that feels positive, refreshing and recharging for you – whether that’s something gentle at home, joining an online session, going for a short walk, or taking part in a local activity. There’s no ‘right’ way to take part. It’s all about feeling the joy and accomplishment of being active in a way that feels good for you.
Virtual Tours of Leisure Centres
Exploring a new leisure centre can sometimes feel daunting, especially for people with long‑term health conditions, disabilities, sensory sensitivities or anxiety. To make getting active more accessible, several leisure centres across Kent and Medway now offer virtual tours.
These online walk‑throughs let visitors explore facilities at their own pace, understand the layout and prepare for their visit in advance. Virtual tours reduce uncertainty, build confidence and help people feel more comfortable taking that first step towards moving more. Centres currently offering tours include Dover District Leisure Centre, Kingsmead Pools & Fitness Centre, tmactive sites and Maidstone Leisure Centre.
Other News
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