Autumn/Winter 2025: News and updates from across the sector
Stay up to date with the latest in our quick round-up
Nuffield Health announces rollout of long-term conditions rehab programme
CIMSPA partner Nuffield Health has announced plans to launch a nationwide Long-Term Conditions Rehabilitation Programme, offering up to 50,000 free places each year from 2027. The new initiative builds on the success of its Joint Pain Programme, which has already helped thousands of people manage musculoskeletal pain through structured, tailored exercise.
This new programme takes that model further, extending support to people living with a wider range of chronic conditions including cardiovascular, metabolic and respiratory diseases. Developed in collaboration with experts from Manchester Metropolitan University at the Manchester Institute for Health and Performance, it will initially run from 11 pilot sites across the UK before expanding to reach more communities.
Participants will be referred through GPs, pharmacists or other healthcare professionals, ensuring those with chronic pain, fatigue or breathlessness can access the support they need.
The programme’s creation follows strong evidence of impact from Nuffield Health’s existing Joint Pain Programme. Working with Frontier Economics, the organisation found that in 2024 alone, more than 12,000 participants saw notable improvements in pain levels and overall wellbeing. This translated into 86,000 fewer sick days and 31,000 avoided GP appointments, underlining the potential of preventative, exercise-based interventions to reduce pressure on the health system.
The research also highlighted the scale of the opportunity in regions such as Greater Manchester. More than half a million people in the region live with musculoskeletal conditions, yet fewer than one in three have a care plan in place. By providing structured, community-based exercise, the study suggests that Greater Manchester alone could save 900,000 sick days, avoid 250,000 GP visits and deliver up to £1.7 billion in economic and health benefits each year, including helping 3,000 people back into work.
Parkwood Leisure introduces weight management programme
CIMSPA partner Parkwood Leisure has launched a new pilot scheme to help people shift from medication-based to lifestyle-led weight management, with a 12-week programme focused on movement, nutrition and mindset.
The My Healthy Weight Programme is currently being trialled at Crook Log Leisure Centre, with plans for a wider rollout if the pilot proves successful. Priced at £99 per month, the programme combines expert coaching and group support to help participants build long-term healthy habits that go beyond medication use.
While initially designed to support those transitioning away from GLP-1 medications, the programme is also open to adults with a BMI over 25 who want to develop healthier, lasting approaches to weight management. Referrals can be made through healthcare professionals, but individuals are also welcome to self-refer.
New aquaphobia learning programme introduced
A new training programme is being rolled out across the UK to help swimming coaches support people living with a fear of water. Perhaps a surprisingly common phobia, this issue affects an estimated 12.8 million adults, or nearly one in three people.
Despite its scale, aquaphobia remains a largely hidden issue, often overlooked in both health policy and leisure provision. For many, the consequences reach well beyond the swimming pool, limiting family experiences, confidence on holidays and even access to life-saving water skills.
Recognising the need for change, the Institute of Aquaphobia (IoA) has joined forces with CIMSPA partner Everyone Active to deliver specialist training to more than 2,000 swimming instructors across the UK. The training is based on the Aquaphobia Learning Programme (ALP), a trauma-informed, science-based method designed to help participants gradually feel safe and comfortable in water.
Unlike traditional swimming instruction, ALP focuses first on building confidence through relaxation, breathwork and gentle exposure before introducing technique. The approach is already being integrated into Everyone Active’s national network of pools, with the long-term aim of ensuring every leisure centre can offer certified aquaphobia support.
By embedding aquaphobia provision across its network, Everyone Active hopes to create a more welcoming, inclusive leisure environment. Their new programme meets a long-overlooked public health need while expanding participation in swimming and water-based activity, benefiting participants and growing the organisation’s reach in the community.
WSA and Admiral launch second year of £100k Sustainability in Sport Fund
The Welsh Sports Association (WSA), in partnership with Admiral, has announced the return of its £100,000 Sustainability in Sport Fund, following a highly successful first year that inspired innovative, environmentally focused projects across Welsh sport and leisure.
Opening for applications on Monday 17 November, the fund will once again provide financial support to WSA members leading the way in environmental action and sustainability. Grants of up to £25,000 per project are available to initiatives that demonstrate measurable, positive impact from decarbonisation and waste reduction to biodiversity protection and community engagement.
Applications will be made via an expression of interest form, and shortlisted projects will be invited to pitch their ideas to a panel of judges at Admiral’s offices in early spring, following a Sustainability in Sport showcase day.
The Sustainability in Sport Fund forms part of WSA’s broader mission to embed environmental responsibility into the fabric of Welsh sport — empowering organisations to take practical steps that benefit both their communities and the planet.
