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 the ongoing Active Hospital initiative, Life Leisure has begun regular engagement at Stepping Hill Hospital, run by Stockport NHS Foundation Trust.
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 wards at Stepping Hill Hospital 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:
- Simple exercise ideas
- Information on Life Leisure community sessions
- Details of our Active Pathways programme, which helps people who need support and guidance on starting their journey to a more active lifestyle
Lisa Arrandale, Active Communities Officer and lead on the Active Hospital and Active Pathways initiatives, said: “The introduction of Life Leisure kit bags onto wards at Stepping Hill Hospital is helping patients stay active, motivated, and confident in their recovery.
By pairing simple movement tools with clear guidance and a seamless link into our Active Pathways referral scheme, we’re ensuring that every patient leaves the hospital not only physically stronger, but fully supported in continuing their journey toward better health within their own community.”
Alongside this, Life Leisure already delivers three weekly sessions at the hospital: Tai Chi sessions for staff, plus two low-impact exercise classes on 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.
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.
This work marks the start of a longer-term presence. Moving into 2026, 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.
Because when movement feels supported, it’s more likely to last.
To find out more about Active Pathways, visit: https://www.lifeleisure.net/active-pathways/