<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><ns2:project xmlns:ns1="http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk/gtr/api" xmlns:ns2="http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk/gtr/api/project" xmlns:ns3="http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk/gtr/api/fund" xmlns:ns4="http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk/gtr/api/person" xmlns:ns5="http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk/gtr/api/project/outcome" xmlns:ns6="http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk/gtr/api/organisation" ns1:created="2026-06-22T07:57:45Z" ns1:href="http://gtr.ukri.org/gtr/api/projects/FDF8C3CA-777C-4494-B910-77736FBA8E1A" ns1:id="FDF8C3CA-777C-4494-B910-77736FBA8E1A"><ns1:links><ns1:link ns1:href="http://gtr.ukri.org/gtr/api/persons/3FD155A4-10C6-48D9-A800-BBF7212257D9" ns1:rel="PM_PER"/><ns1:link ns1:href="http://gtr.ukri.org/gtr/api/organisations/D0B6BD6E-0369-4B2D-AC2E-25DE8E8DBF69" ns1:rel="LEAD_ORG"/><ns1:link ns1:href="http://gtr.ukri.org/gtr/api/organisations/D0B6BD6E-0369-4B2D-AC2E-25DE8E8DBF69" ns1:rel="PARTICIPANT_ORG"/><ns1:link ns1:end="2026-08-30T23:00:00Z" ns1:href="http://gtr.ukri.org/gtr/api/funds/E3601DD2-FF5E-428F-B769-3AC29662F535" ns1:rel="FUND" ns1:start="2025-08-31T23:00:00Z"/></ns1:links><ns2:identifiers><ns2:identifier ns2:type="RCUK">10167868</ns2:identifier></ns2:identifiers><ns2:title>Scaling up exercise referrals to benefit those most in need</ns2:title><ns2:status>Active</ns2:status><ns2:grantCategory>Collaborative R&amp;D</ns2:grantCategory><ns2:leadFunder>Innovate UK</ns2:leadFunder><ns2:abstractText>Community Wellness Services CIC, in partnership with Holly Health, will deliver a pioneering health and wellbeing programme for Sheffield's most underserved communities.

The initiative offers a unique blend of locally led exercise classes, nutrition workshops, and group support, complemented by Holly Health's advanced digital coaching platform. This hybrid approach ensures participants can access personalised support both face-to-face and digitally---tailored for a wide range of health, mobility, and cultural needs.

The project will target up to 1,000 adults in high-priority neighbourhoods including Manor Castle, Burngreave, Firth Park, and Darnall. By combining in-person expertise with real-time digital tracking, the programme will break down barriers to activity and wellbeing, particularly for those living with chronic conditions, low confidence, or digital exclusion. The content will be co-designed with local residents, community groups, and faith partners---ensuring it is multilingual, culturally relevant, and representative of the communities served.

Drawing on a strong evidence base, the programme will tackle physical inactivity, poor diet, and social isolation---key drivers of health inequality in Sheffield. Previous independent evaluation found every &amp;pound;1 invested in the programme generated &amp;pound;3.55 in social value: 90% of participants felt more socially connected, 72% reported improved mental health, and 68% achieved significant physical health improvements. By layering Holly Health's habit-building and evaluation tools onto this platform, expected impacts are set to increase, with all progress digitally tracked for transparency and future accountability.

Sustainability is at the heart of the model. Delivery will be through a new Community Interest Company (CIC), with all profits reinvested to expand local reach and service quality. The hybrid approach enables participants to move seamlessly between in-person and digital support, while toolkits and digital assets produced during the project will support easy scaling and replication in other communities and regions.

Crucially, this programme is closely integrated with Sheffield's NHS, public health, and social prescribing infrastructure, providing a model for partnership-led health improvement. By placing accessibility, user co-design, robust evaluation, and financial sustainability at its core, the project aims to transform wellbeing outcomes, reduce health inequalities, and leave a legacy of stronger, healthier communities for Sheffield and beyond.</ns2:abstractText></ns2:project>