Colchester Borough Homes
A Place‑Based Approach to Resident Wellbeing
Colchester Borough Homes (CBH) has developed an inclusive physical activity programme supporting the wellbeing of residents in sheltered housing. Led by Physical Activity Co‑ordinator Bernard, the incentive has grown significantly through a strong place‑based partnership with Active Essex.
Residents living in sheltered housing often face barriers to being active: limited mobility, lack of transport, confidence issues, and a need for activities that feel safe, inclusive, and appropriate for older adults. CBH wanted to build a coordinated, resident‑led activity offer that spoke directly to these needs.
Active Essex and CBH co‑designed the programme using a place‑based approach, shaping activities around resident needs. LDP funding in 2025–2026 launched delivery, followed by two years of deepening funding from April 2026 (£54k) alongside £28k CBH match funding. This blend of local insight and strategic investment has created a sustainable, resident‑led activity offer with long‑term impact.
Active Essex has played a key role in strengthening CBH’s activity programme by connecting partners, supporting Bernard’s coordinator role, and signposting funding such as Essex Cycle Grants. Their support has helped embed physical activity as a core part of resident wellbeing, leading to a system-wide shift where activity is now seen as central to independent living and community cohesion across CBH schemes.
Residents now enjoy weekly discounted swimming with Leisure World Colchester, chair-based dance and movement delivered by Dance Network and Let Your Hair Down, and monthly social sessions featuring darts, music and dance. Wellbeing Walks led by The Mental Health Runner add further choice, while a developing partnership with Essex Pedal Power and Wheels for All aims to introduce regular inclusive bike rides at Colchester Sports Park. This varied offer ensures activities are accessible, enjoyable, and suited to residents’ abilities and confidence levels.
Key Learnings
Accessibility
On‑site, flat‑surface activities are best, as travel and uneven ground reduce participation
Gender
Most participants are female, highlighting the need for strategies to engage more male residents
Consistency
Regular sessions like swimming and chair dance maintain strong and reliable attendance
Feedback
Resident feedback and input helps refine session pace, accessibility and overall delivery
The partnership aligns strongly with the Active Essex Implementation Plan by strengthening community connections, improving access to local activity opportunities for older adults, and supporting CBH to embed physical activity within its organisational approach.
To ensure long‑term sustainability, CBH is also building volunteer capacity, with two volunteers already trained in Chair Dance and plans to recruit more through the NHS Volunteer platform to support cycling, swimming, and social activities. This volunteer‑led model will help secure the future of the programme and reduce reliance on staff‑led delivery.
