Across East Lindsey and beyond, our Community Partnership Learning shows strong engagement in short‑term physical activity programmes. Whether through health‑led interventions, community sessions or supported programmes, many people are taking that first step towards being more active. The challenge, however, comes afterwards.

The drop‑off point

Participants frequently described positive experiences during structured programmes. They valued the social connection, the tailored support and, critically, the reassurance that came from working with skilled, trusted instructors who understood their needs, health conditions and confidence levels.

During these programmes, people felt supported and safe. Sessions were adapted, paced appropriately and delivered by individuals with the skills to create inclusive, welcoming environments.

When programmes ended, many participants were unsure where to go next – not because they were unwilling, but because the level of support they had relied on was no longer visible or guaranteed. Without that continuity, uncertainty grew.

This was particularly evident for older adults and people living with long‑term health conditions. Once structured support fell away, familiar barriers resurfaced: cost, transport, confidence and fear of injury. For some, the prospect of moving into more independent or less supported settings felt like too big a leap.

Why pathways matter, and who makes them work

Sustained activity relies on clear, achievable progression. Without visible next steps – and people with the right skills to support those steps – even the most successful programmes risk becoming isolated interventions.

Our Community Partnership Learning points to a system gap: strong entry points into activity, but limited exits that feel safe, inclusive and appropriate.

At the heart of this gap is the need for a skilled community‑based workforce. People coming out of health intervention programmes are often “ready for the next move”, but only if that next move is delivered by individuals who:

• Understand long‑term conditions and recovery
• Can adapt activity to different abilities
• Build confidence as well as physical capability
• Create inclusive environments where people feel they belong

Pathways are not just about signposting – they’re about people, relationships and trust.

Designing for confidence through skills

For many participants, readiness to join a gym, sports club or independent session isn’t immediate. Confidence needs to be built gradually, over time, in familiar environments and through consistent support from people they trust.

This insight is increasingly shaping how activity is being designed locally, with greater emphasis on:

• Supported transitions, where people are guided rather than expected to self‑navigate
• Local, informal opportunities delivered close to where people live
• Familiar faces and settings, reducing anxiety and uncertainty
• Confidence as an outcome, alongside physical activity levels

Crucially, these approaches depend on having a workforce with the right skills, not just to deliver sessions, but to understand behaviour change, inclusion and progression. Community‑based instructors, volunteers and leaders play a vital role here. When they are supported, trained and connected into the wider system, they become the bridge between health interventions and long‑term activity.

A shared responsibility across the system

Strengthening pathways from “first step” to “next step” is a system responsibility. Health services, leisure providers, VCSE organisations and community partners all hold part of the solution.

For some, that means commissioning or designing programmes with progression in mind. For others, it means investing in skills development, mentoring and support for the community‑based workforce so that provision is inclusive, accessible and relevant to people at different stages of readiness.

The opportunity lies in:

• Better connection between health and community activity
• Clearer, more confident signposting
• Shared ownership of what happens after a programme ends
• Recognising skilled community delivery as a critical asset, not an add‑on

Learning into action

Our learning from communities and partners has reinforced that starting activity is only half the story. Staying active requires intentional design, collaboration and ongoing support, delivered by people with the skills to meet individuals where they are.

By investing in a skilled community‑based workforce and strengthening pathways between health interventions and local activity, we can make the next step feel possible, not overwhelming. And in doing so, support more people to remain active as part of everyday life, not just during a programme.