Active Communities
Health and wellbeing programmes giving you the support you need to be active.
Help and support to get active and improve your health and wellbeing
Our Active Communities programme supports people of all ages facing barriers to being active and improving their health and wellbeing through physical activity and sport. This includes people experiencing poverty and inequalities, and those living with long term health conditions.
With activities across Edinburgh, we can help find something that’s perfect for you.
Our Active Communities programme supports thousands of people a year to get active to improve their health and wellbeing.
Being active is key to enjoying a healthy lifestyle and feeling good. Even the simplest of changes can lead to big results.
As a charity, Edinburgh Leisure is on a mission to help people lead more active, healthy lives and we can help you do just that.
14,700
people supported to get moving through Active Communities programmes
160
health and wellbeing classes delivered each week
1,000+
hours of support from volunteers every month to help run our programmes
20,000+
visits to Edinburgh Leisure from refugees as part of our Relocated People Access Programme
How we can help
Our Active Communities team will give you the support you need to be active with dedicated health and wellbeing programmes to help you get started. However active you are and whatever your age, we’re here to support you.
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
Falls Prevention, Mobility and Stability
Build confidence, improve balance and stay independent with gentle, supportive classes designed to help older adults move more safely and confidently in everyday life. Includes regular pay as you go classes as well as our 12-week falls prevention referral programme “Balanced Life”
Support to Get Active
Find welcoming, affordable activities that help remove barriers to being active, with support for families, adults and communities who may need extra help to get started.
Keeping Active – Support for Older People
Stay active, social and well with friendly sessions that support older people to pursue a range of activities, improve fitness, build confidence and enjoy being part of their local community.
Support for Mental Wellbeing
Referral-based activity programmes supporting people with mental health condition to get active, including dedicated support and sessions for those living with dementia..
Helping Young People Thrive
Discover activities and support designed to help young people build confidence, improve wellbeing and access new opportunities in a welcoming community setting. Opportunities include community activities, mental health support and career training.
Discounted Access, Memberships and Programmes
Active Communities helps make getting active more affordable through a range of supported discount cards and offers, giving people free or subsidised access to Edinburgh Leisure facilities and activities across the city. Designed to reduce cost barriers and open up more opportunities to move, connect and feel well, these offers help ensure that staying active is accessible to everyone, whatever their circumstances.
Programme referrals
We encourage health and social care professional, schools or youth organisations to refer your supported people to our Active Communities programmes.
See our individual programme pages for details on how to refer a client or contact our team via email at active@edinburghleisure.co.uk or by calling 0131 458 2260 for guidance on the most appropriate programmes. We’ll ensure that the referral process is seamless and efficient.
Together, we can assist individuals in overcoming barriers to physical activity and support their improved health and wellbeing.
Taking part
Get in touch with us by emailing active@edinburghleisure.co.uk or calling 0131 458 2260 if you have questions about any of our Active Communities programmes.
Get involved – volunteer or fundraise
Volunteer
There are lots of ways for volunteers to get involved. However you choose to donate your time, you will be making a difference to local people’s lives.
Fundraise
Raise funds through events, challenges or other activities to support our Active Communities programmes and make a real difference for the people of Edinburgh.
Help us help more people
Every year, we support over 14,700 people who find it hardest to get active through our Active Communities programme. This includes people living with health problems, disabilities, inequality, or poverty.
As a registered charity, Edinburgh Leisure relies on external funding and donations to keep delivering the Active Communities programme.
To help us support those with the greatest barriers to improving their health and wellbeing, you can donate via text or our online form.
To text your donation:
Text ACTIVE followed by the amount you would like to donate to 70480.
For example, text ACTIVE5 if you would like to donate £5.
