East Hampshire District Council is working with Everyone Active to provide free physical activity courses and free health and wellbeing opportunities.

Starting this month, people wanting to back on their feet, or prevent their condition from worsening can try a diabetes exercise course or health and wellbeing programme.

Everyone Active is running a 12-week physical activity programme for individuals diagnosed with type-2 diabetes, or pre-diabetes. It is free to attend and is aimed at anyone who would like to be more active but find the idea of exercising daunting. One of the first sessions is on September 13 at the Whitehill & Bordon Leisure Centre.

An East Hampshire resident, who previously attended the diabetes programme, said: "My wife and I have gained enormously from your advice, for the first time in years we both feel we are making progress in cutting down our carbs and sugar intake."

The health and wellbeing programme is a six month scheme which aims to improve peoples' health and wellbeing. Targeting people who suffer from, or are at risk of developing, chronic medical conditions.

Discounts to access the service are available, and further support is also accessible for certain individuals in receipt of universal credit or other qualifying benefits (subject to terms and conditions). You can be referred onto the service by your GP, a health professional, or you can self-refer by completing the online form.

Keith and partner Sue commented: “To our surprise we loved it. It's been hard at times and we've had stops and starts but we feel much much better mentally, and physically we feel fitter.

"We also got involved with walking football as a new sport which we love and Keith has really improved his coordination and mental ability post stroke with it.”