Health & Wellbeing of Adults Newsletter May 2026
Latest Adult Activity Levels
Sport England’s latest Active Lives Adult Survey report, covering the period between November 2024 and November 2025, shows that 64.6% of adults (30.9 million people) met the Chief Medical Officers’ guidelines of doing 150 minutes, or more, of moderate intensity physical activity a week. That’s an increase of 859,000 adults compared to the previous 12 months.
However, while overall activity levels continue to improve, the data highlights that significant inequalities persist, with some groups and communities still far less likely to be active than others. The survey shows that not everyone is benefiting equally, and the gap between communities is also becoming more pronounced. The divide in activity levels between the most and least deprived areas has widened over time, with sustained growth in more affluent areas.
Forever Active Kent Service
The Forever Active Kent Service, coordinated by Kent County Council and Active Kent & Medway helps older adults, aged 50 and older, to increase and maintain their strength, flexibility, balance and coordination in a place and time that suits them.
As part of this service, a number of local organisations and community groups have been supported through the Forever Active Kent Fund (application window now closed) to offer FREE activity programmes from 1 April 2026 for people aged 50+ in their local community.
From yoga to walking sports and low impact classes, there’s a wide range of activities on offer across Kent, open to all abilities. Please share with anyone who may be interested in attending.
Follow this link to view all the Forever Active Kent activities
Celebrating 5 Years of Live Longer Better
On 29 April 2026, partners from across Kent and Medway came together to celebrate five years of the Live Longer Better Network, recognising the collective effort of the network to support people aged 55+ to live longer, healthier and more active lives across the county. The celebration event was an opportunity for existing and new members to reflect on progress, share updates and strengthen connections. It also provided space to look ahead at how partners can continue working together to increase healthy life expectancy. Our short film captures highlights from the celebratory event.
Follow this link to read more about the event
If you support people aged 55+ and want to connect with others across Kent and Medway, the Live Longer Better Network is open to new members.
Everyday Active
Everyday Active Workshops
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 Thursday 2 July 2026, 12:30 – 13:30.
Register for Everyday Active Workshop on 2 July 2026
Become an Everyday Active Ambassador
Everyday Active Ambassadors play a vital role in helping people in their local community find more ways to be active. This rewarding voluntary role is perfect for anyone working in community settings, such as libraries, churches, pharmacies, schools or for people who are part of a local community group, parish council or residents’ association. As an ambassador you will receive support and training on:
- the recommended activity guidelines for adults, children and disabled people;
- the benefits of being active and the evidence that supports this;
- the free resources, such as posters and postcards, that are available to distribute in your local area;
- the Everyday Active website so you can help people discover local activities that are right for them.
If you’d like to become an Everyday Active Ambassador or know someone who might be interested, please email Yasmin, our Everyday Active Officer at yasmin.hosken@kent.gov.uk
Wellbeing Programmes
Wilder Wellbeing
Kent Wildlife Trust’s Wilder Wellbeing programmes are free and designed for individuals who may be experiencing a lowered wellbeing, living with mental or physical health conditions, or are feeling lonely or isolated. Sessions include gentle walks, mindful practices, and nature connection activities.
Participants can complete their sign-up forms with their social prescriber or can self-refer.
NHS Recovery and Wellbeing College
NHS Kent and Medway Mental Health Trust Recovery and Wellbeing College provides free mental health and wellbeing courses. The College is open to anyone over the age of 18 and living in Kent and Medway, who wishes to improve their mental wellbeing, learn new skills or support their own or other’s wellbeing.
Courses are held online and in-person across Kent and Medway. The next summer course starts on 8 June 2026. Autumn courses start from 21 September 2026.
Get Into Cycling
Cycling UK’s Big Bike Revival 2026
Cycling UK’s Big Bike Revival is back with over 40 Dr Bike events planned this year all over the county, which are completely free. The Big Bike Revival is Cycling UK’s flagship programme, offering beginner-friendly support, from bike checks and confidence-boosting rides to maintenance tips and social sessions. No Lycra, no pressure and no experience needed.
Find an event near you and bring your bike along for a free check and minor repairs, along with advice on looking after your bike. Perfect if your bike needs a little TLC, before you get out on the road or into the park this summer. No need to book, just turn up with your bike! Photo credit: Cycling UK.
Great Big Green Week
Great Big Green Week (6 – 14 June 2026) is the UK’s biggest community celebration of climate and nature action. It brings together schools, sports clubs, community groups, businesses and local organisations to take part in positive, practical activities that improve everyday places and people’s lives.
The focus is on inclusive, locally led action that feels normal, achievable and beneficial for communities. Last year, over 1.2 million people took part across the UK, with a growing ambition to engage even more communities through trusted local organisations. Photo credit: Green Big Green Week
Other News
Contact Us
We’d love to hear from you
If there’s anything in this newsletter you’d like to discuss, then just get in touch and one of our team members will get back to you as soon as possible. Please email: activekent@kent.gov.uk
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