Stockport-based Life Leisure is building on its Active Hospital work to help patients move more, feel better and take their next step into community wellbeing.
As part of its ongoing Active Hospital initiative, Life Leisure has begun regular engagement at Stepping Hill Hospital in the borough.
The initiative is led by Lisa Arrandale, who is heading up the Active Hospital work on behalf of Life Leisure, working closely alongside Jan Sinclair, the hospital’s lead for the Active Hospital project.
Together, they aim to make engaging in physical activity feel achievable rather than forced, while providing clear, supportive pathways to long-term wellbeing.
A key part of this early work has been the introduction of Active Hospital kit bags, which are now being provided on selected wards to support simple, low-impact movement.
Each kit currently includes a pedal exerciser, resistance band and pedometer, with plans to add further items over time.
The kits are designed to help patients move safely and confidently during their hospital stay, and staff have already been engaging with and supporting the use of the kit bags incredibly.
Each kit bag also includes a practical, easy-to-use folder featuring:
Alongside this, Life Leisure already delivers three weekly sessions at the hospital: Tai Chi sessions for staff, plus two low-impact exercise classes on the Norbury and Arden wards.
These sessions form part of a wider partnership approach through the Active Pathways steering group, which includes organisations BOOST and Stockport County, who also deliver activity in wards.
Life Leisure will continue to develop its role within the hospital, building relationships, listening to feedback and shaping support that works for both patients and staff.
A key aim of Active Pathways is to join up hospital-based activity with community provision.
By increasing awareness of the pathway among hospital staff, Life Leisure wants to make it easier for patients and colleagues to move from ward-based sessions into community classes, often with the same providers they’ve already connected with in hospital.
To find out more about Active Pathways, visit: https://www.lifeleisure.net/active-pathways/
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