Active communities

activewellbeing@stoke.gov.uk

Empowering health and wellbeing across Stoke-on-Trent

Our Active Communities programme is all about making health and wellbeing accessible to everyone, no matter your age, ability, or background. We deliver inclusive, supportive activities designed to help you move more, feel better, and connect with others in your community. 

Whether you're living with a long-term health condition, recovering from injury, or simply looking to improve your lifestyle, our team is here to help you take that next step. From gentle exercise sessions and wellbeing walks to condition-specific programmes like ESCAPE-Pain and Good Boost, we offer a wide range of options tailored to your needs. 

Prevention and early intervention

Preventing health issues before they arise by promoting early intervention strategies

Tackling inequalities

Actively working to reduce social and health inequalities within the community, and supporting disadvantaged groups

Tackling inactivity

Recognising the detrimental effects of a sedentary lifestyle, and encouraging people of all ages to get moving

Keeping active and well

Maintaining long-term health and wellbeing

What we offer

  • Specialist-led sessions for physical and mental wellbeing 
  • Community-based activities in local venues and green spaces 
  • Supportive programmes for older adults, carers, and those with long-term conditions 
  • Partnerships with health services, schools, and local organisations to ensure joined-up support 

We believe that being active is about more than just fitness; it’s about building confidence, improving mental health, and creating stronger, more connected communities. 

How we can help 

Our Active Communities team is here to help you take that first step towards a healthier lifestyle. No matter your age or current activity level, we offer dedicated health and wellbeing programmes designed to support you in getting started and staying active. We're with you every step of the way. 

Move More – Low intensity classes and membership

Our Move More sessions include a wide range of low-intensity classes designed for all abilities. 

  • Seated exercise, walking pace sports, and Active Dance 
  • Specialist instructors and GP referral support 
  • Health and Wellbeing Membership: £30 for 12 weeks 

This is a great way to ease into activity, improve mobility, and connect with others in a friendly, supportive environment. 

Low intensity classes are available as pay as you go 

If you've been referred to the Health and Wellbeing Team, you may be eligible for our Health and Wellbeing Membership, which offers access to a range of supportive activities and services. 

Not sure if you qualify? Feel free to contact the team here and we’ll be happy to guide you through the options available. 

 

Classes

Adult weight management

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Classes

Medicated weight loss (GLP-1) support

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Classes

Falls prevention

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Classes

Pain management

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Classes

Active recovery

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Classes

Exercise with Parkinson's

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Classes

Programme referrals

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What happens to your body when you quit smoking

 
 
  • 20 MINUTES Blood pressure & heart rate return to normal
  • 12 HOURS Carbon monoxide levels return to normal
  • 48 HOURS Smell & taste begin to improve
  • 1 MONTH Shortness of breath & coughing subside
  • 2 WEEKS Lung function begins to improve
  • 1 YEAR Risk of coronary artery disease is reduced by half
  • 5 YEARS Stroke risk is the same as a non-smoker
  • 10 YEARS Risk of dying from lung cancer is reduced by half

Stop Smoking

Our Stop Smoking programme offers tailored support to help you quit smoking for good. Delivered in partnership with local health services, this free service includes:

  • One-to-one support from trained advisors 
  • Access to nicotine replacement therapies 
  • Group sessions and drop-ins 
  • Advice on managing cravings and triggers 

What you’ll receive: 

Weeks 1–4: A tailored quit plan, weekly follow-up sessions, and free nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) or a vape starter kit through our Swap to Stop programme. 

Weeks 5–8: Continued advisor support and, for those eligible, additional NRT or vape juice refills. 

Weeks 8–12: Ongoing support with your choice of weekly or fortnightly appointments to help you stay smoke-free. 

Celebrate your success

Once you reach your fourth week smoke-free, you’ll gain access to our £30 three-month Health and Wellbeing Membership, giving you even more tools to support your journey.

New for January: Quit and move group sessions

We’re excited to launch group support sessions starting this January: connect with others on the same journey and share motivation, tips, and encouragement. 

Bring your motivation, we’ll bring the rest. 

Quitting smoking improves your lung health, boosts energy, and reduces your risk of serious illness. Let us help you take that first step. To find out more, contact: 

Contact us

Useful links

Explore more tools and advice from the NHS Better Health campaign:

Quit smoking - Better Health - NHS 

Quit smoking with nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs) - Better Health - NHS 

Vaping to quit smoking - Better Health - NHS 

Understand your smoking triggers and cravings - Better Health - NHS