A pioneering partnership between Oldham Active and NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care is celebrating a monumental milestone as its REACH exercise referral programme enters its 20th year of transforming lives across the borough.

Since its launch, REACH – which stands for Referrals Encouraging Activity, Confidence and Health – has supported 3,906 local people recovering from life-impacting conditions, including cardiac and pulmonary issues, long Covid, and peripheral vascular disease. The programme is designed by Oldham Active's health experts to improve wellbeing and encourage long-term lifestyle changes.

The impact is clear: in the last year alone, REACH delivered 305 specialist classes with over 2,000 attendances at centres in Saddleworth, Royton, Chadderton, and Oldham. Between April 2025 and March 2026, the programme received 207 new referrals, predominantly from specialist hospital physiotherapists, providing a vital step-down from clinical care to community-based recovery.

Jason Bailey, Health and Wellbeing Officer at Oldham Active, has delivered the REACH programme for the entire 20 years. He explains that his primary role is breaking down the fear that often follows a major health event. “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,” he says.

“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.”

Lawrence, 72, was referred to REACH in 2014 after undergoing 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,” he says.

“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 by Royal Oldham Hospital following a heart attack. “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, connected 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, CEO of Oldham Active, the charity operating leisure facilities across the borough, says: “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.”

For more information on the REACH programme or to enquire about referrals, visit the Oldham Active website or speak to your GP or hospital physiotherapist.