A £10,000 grant scheme to fund physical activity for people in South Cambridgeshire with long term health conditions opens today (Monday July 7) for applications.
From gentle chair-based exercise classes to tailored fitness sessions for people with Parkinson’s Disease, the long-term health condition grants have empowered local providers to help residents take control of their health, build confidence, and connect with their communities.
The South Cambridgeshire District Council scheme reflects a commitment to supporting healthier, more active lifestyles across the district.
Cllr Henry Batchelor, Lead Cabinet Member for Communities for the District Council, said: These grants are designed for local providers to bid for funding and run physical activity sessions locally – and are a powerful example of how targeted, community-led initiatives can make a real difference to the health and wellbeing of people with chronic health conditions. By supporting local groups to deliver accessible and inclusive activity opportunities, we’re helping to break down barriers and strengthen community connections. We’re proud of the positive impact achieved in the last two years and look forward to building on that success in the year ahead, reaching even more residents across our district.”
Activity providers which received funding last year:
Cambs Pilates – £1,100
Continued training with the British Health Qigong Association and hall hire at St. Andrews Hall in Histon. Sessions benefit those with arthritis and osteoporosis by reducing pain and improving mobility.
Imagination Dance CIC – £1,200
Movement for Memory offer seated dance classes in Gamlingay, aiding those with memory loss and limited mobility through improved strength, coordination, and mental wellbeing. A class leader said: “One of our participants is living with dementia and attends with his wife and full-time carer. He now recognises the space and the class teachers, which helps him with his structure and routine. His wife has stated that physically, his balance seems to have improved.”
Active with Parkinson’s – £2,000
Classes help manage Parkinson’s symptoms and support mental health. The grant expanded services in Sawston and Shelford. A participant said: “I like the structure, the variety of exercises and the understanding of how they help Parkinsons Disease symptoms. The classes make me feel motivated to practice at home. My balance is improved as is my tremor and arm strength. The classes lift my mood and make me feel positive. At a recent consultant appointment my condition was described as stable and my gait as good. I’m sure the exercise classes have helped keep my symptoms under control.”
Let’s Run Girls – £750
Funding has supported training for three new volunteer leaders to host running groups across the district, enhancing community fitness opportunities.
Cambridge Cancer Help Centre – £2,000
Fitness-based activities for individuals affected by cancer, promoting physical and mental wellbeing during and after treatment. One class member said: “I always look forward to weekly exercise sessions. Alison the teacher has time for us all giving encouragement and guidance and making sure that stretching with the resistance bands is within our personal range. Following these classes myself and the other participants feel that little bit better in ourselves.”
HI Friends – £1,250
Supports staffing for Monday Club activities in Histon and Impington, including specialist exercise classes. Also, new equipment and neuro-physio support to enhance class quality and comfort.
Applications for 2025/26 open on July 7 and close on August 1. Find out more here. If you attended one of last year’s classes we would love to hear from you! Leave your feedback here. The funding was agreed in a meeting of the District Council Grants Advisory Committee.
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