A long running exercise referral scheme in Oldham has reached its 20th year after supporting thousands of residents recovering from serious health conditions.
The REACH programme, delivered by Oldham Active in partnership with NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care, has supported 3,906 people since it began. It is aimed at patients recovering from conditions including cardiac and respiratory illness, long Covid and peripheral vascular disease.
The scheme provides structured group exercise sessions designed to improve physical and mental wellbeing while encouraging long term lifestyle change. Over the past year alone, more than 2,000 attendances were recorded across 305 specialist classes held at centres in Saddleworth, Royton, Chadderton and Oldham.
Between April 2025 and March 2026, 207 new referrals were made, mainly from hospital physiotherapists. The programme acts as a step down from clinical care into community based rehabilitation.
Jason Bailey, Health and Wellbeing Officer at Oldham Active, has worked on the programme since it began. He said “For many, the transition from a hospital bed to a gym floor is daunting. Understandably, when someone has undergone a heart bypass, had stents fitted or is struggling with the daily exhaustion of COPD, the idea of exercise can be terrifying.
“Many of our health referrals have never been in a gym or leisure centre before. My job is to reassure them they are in safe hands. We don't just provide a workout, we provide a personalised, friendly service. I often introduce new starters to our long term members too, as seeing someone who was once in their exact shoes now laughing, chatting and lifting weights is so powerful.”
Lawerence, 72, joined the programme in 2014 following heart surgery. He said “I had heart disease and underwent open heart surgery. After the initial rehab at the hospital I was referred to the REACH programme to aid my recovery. Once the 12 week bespoke programme finished I became a member at Oldham Active so I could continue to exercise regularly and, to this day, 14 years later, I still participate in the REACH classes.
“I like to chat about my journey with new people and reassure them their health will improve over time with exercise. The encouragement I received when I started made a big difference. I always say you have to give it a go or you won’t get better, and once you get into it, it becomes a big part of your life.”
John, 81, was referred after a heart attack. He said “After my heart attack I thought what am I going to do now. I can’t sit in front of the television all day. I was going downhill both physically and mentally, so the REACH referral came at the right time, it got me out of the house, connect me to others in a similar boat, and helped rebuild my confidence. I really enjoyed it and after completing the 12 week programme I became an Oldham Active member so I could continue my exercise routine.”
Stuart Lockwood, chief executive of Oldham Active, said “The REACH programme is a shining example of how community leisure and healthcare can work hand in hand to change lives. Reaching our 20th year is a testament to the incredible resilience of our participants and the dedication of the team that supports them every single day.
“I am immensely proud of the powerful community impact this programme continues to have across Oldham, it proves that with the right support, recovery can happen, and our residents can truly get their lives back.”
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