Innovate UK backs Sheffield social enterprise with £250,000 investment to help local communities get active

A new project from Community Wellness Services CIC is set to change how community exercise and wellbeing programmes help people to stay active and healthy.

The initiative combines dynamic community classes, digital coaching, and outcome tracking to create a joined-up approach that helps more people benefit from exercise for long-term health.

The social enterprise has been awarded £250,000 from Innovate UK, through the Contracts for Innovation mechanism, to scale up its community exercise and wellbeing programmes.

Community Wellness Services CIC, based in Sheffield, works with older adults and people living with long-term health conditions. The organisation delivers inclusive exercise sessions that focus on improving strength, balance, and confidence – helping participants to live more active, independent lives.

This new initiative will build on that success by developing a unique model that connects in-person sessions with digital support. By further developing the established app created by Holly Health, participants will be able to track their progress, access tailored guidance, and connect with trained exercise professionals both online and in their local community.

Rob Womack, Project Manager at Community Wellness Services CIC, said:

“Community Wellness Services engages with thousands of people each week across Sheffield, including those living in the most resilient communities. This innovative and UK-leading project with Holly Health puts us in a unique position to have even more impact on the health and wellbeing of these people. We are so proud to be bringing this vital new resource to the people of Sheffield. We can’t wait to develop this exciting app, working hand in hand with our partners and communities.”

Dave Birds, Director at Community Wellness Services CIC, said:

“We’re thrilled to be part of this initiative with Innovate UK. This project allows us to reach more people who would benefit from exercise but often face barriers to taking part. By blending our community-based approach with digital innovation, we can offer flexible, personalised support that makes a real difference to people’s health and wellbeing.”

Grace Gimson, Co-Founder & CEO of Holly Health, said:

“We’re delighted to be working with CWS to develop and scale an engaging, impactful and personalised health and wellbeing service for communities in Sheffield and South Yorkshire. The project will work both at grassroots level, with user research and co-design, while engaging local and regional commissioners. Together, we’ll open the door to new ways of delivering exercise and proactive health support that truly work for local communities.”

By combining digital tools with trusted community delivery, the project aims to scale its impact across South Yorkshire and beyond, supporting more people to take part in safe, effective, and enjoyable exercise programmes.