Case Study – Active Ageing
Organisation name: Innerva
Contact name: Liz Wright
Role / job title: Sales Manager
Synopsis:
This case study explores how East Ayrshire Leisure Trust and NHS Ayrshire & Arran responded to the challenge of engaging underserved populations by developing a more connected, community-based approach to active wellbeing & rehabilitation. Through strengthened referral pathways, co-located services, and the introduction of an Active Wellbeing Suite, partners created a supportive environment for people living with long-term conditions and those requiring rehabilitation support. The case study demonstrates how collaboration between health and leisure can improve access, increase participation, reduce pressure on services, and create more sustainable pathways that help people remain active, independent, and connected within their communities.
The Story:
The challenge
Many leisure services successfully engage people who are already active and confident, yet significant sections of the population remain underserved. Older adults, people living with long-term health conditions, and those facing barriers such as low confidence, social isolation, or poor health are often less likely to access traditional leisure environments. At the same time, increasing demand on health services has created a need for more preventative, community-based approaches that support people to improve their wellbeing and remain active for longer.
What was done
East Ayrshire Leisure Trust worked with NHS partners to develop a more connected approach to active wellbeing. Through co-location of services, strengthened referral pathways, and the introduction of the Active Wellbeing Suite, partners created a supportive environment designed to bridge the gap between healthcare and community-based activity. The approach focused on understanding local need, co-designing solutions with health partners, and creating accessible opportunities for people who may not traditionally engage with leisure services.
Impact and outcomes
The initiative strengthened collaboration between health and leisure services, creating clearer pathways into community-based wellbeing support. For NHS partners, the programme helped reduce waiting lists, increase capacity, and support more people through a less resource-intensive delivery model.
Patient engagement was particularly strong, with improved participation and completion rates compared to traditional approaches. Participants benefited from the supportive community environment, with peer support and shared experiences helping to build confidence and encourage ongoing engagement.
The programme demonstrated positive patient outcomes while providing a sustainable model that enabled health and leisure partners to work together more effectively.
Learning from the initiative reinforced the value of co-located services, integrated pathways, and partnership working in supporting healthier communities and improving both service delivery and patient experience.