Stay Active Programme

tmactive’s Stay Active in Care Homes and Supported Living project, was supported by our Everyday Active Champion Grant to help older adults and people in supported living settings incorporate more movement into their daily lives, supporting physical health, mental wellbeing, confidence, independence and social connection.

A range of inclusive sessions were delivered, including Chair Yoga, Strength and Balance, Music and Movement, adapted Tennis, Dance, and themed activities. Sessions were flexible, offering seated and standing options to ensure accessibility for all. Delivery took place in partnership with Lawson House Martin Square, Scott’s Trust, and Bradbury House, with activities shaped through ongoing conversations with staff and participants to meet individual needs.

“Amanda (the instructor) creates and delivers wonderful energetic exercises for our students. We can see how much Amanda’s sessions with us benefit their health and wellbeing.” Scott’s Trust

• Reached individuals with limited access to community-based physical activity, providing consistent opportunities to be active
• Improved confidence, mobility, strength, and balance among participants
• Positive impact on mental wellbeing, with sessions providing enjoyment and ‘something to look forward to’
• Reduced social isolation through shared, group-based activity
• Developed new partnerships and strengthened relationships with care providers
• Increased organisational confidence and capability in delivering inclusive activity

Participants valued the opportunity to be active in a safe and familiar environment, particularly those who had become less active since moving into residential care. Sessions offered both physical and social benefits, with many enjoying the chance to connect with others.

“The project has strengthened our organisation by enabling us to reach underrepresented groups, build new partnerships, and deliver inclusive, impactful physical activity sessions.” Deliverer

Securing ongoing funding beyond the initial delivery period remains a key challenge, with some settings unable to continue sessions despite positive engagement. This has been addressed by gathering evidence of impact and exploring alternative funding options.

Delivering activities suitable for a wide range of abilities was also a challenge. This was overcome through flexible, fully adaptable sessions and close collaboration with staff.

Key Learnings

• Building strong relationships with care providers and support staff is essential. Their knowledge of residents helps ensure sessions are safe, relevant, and well attended.
• Flexibility in delivery is key. Adapting activities to suit different abilities increases participation and confidence.
• The social aspect of sessions is just as important as the physical activity, playing a key role in engagement and wellbeing.
• Early conversations about sustainability and funding are crucial to support long-term delivery.

“I really like using the weights which improves my muscles. It is good fun and I feel more healthier and more energetic.” Service User

Sustainability has been a key focus, with ongoing discussions to identify future funding opportunities, fundraising options, and partnerships to support continued delivery. At Scott’s Trust, there is potential to embed the programme more sustainably by developing staff capacity to deliver sessions in-house.

Attendance data and participant feedback will continue to be used to demonstrate impact and support future funding applications. By strengthening partnerships and refining the delivery model, the programme aims to expand its reach and continue providing accessible physical activity opportunities in care and supported living settings.

For more information about the Stay Active programme, please reach out to Tillie, the Everyday Active Champion for Tonbridge and Malling.