Press Release from Buckinghamshire Council

New ‘Move Together Buckinghamshire’ service launches to support over-50s with long-term health conditions

A new initiative aimed at helping older residents live healthier, more active lives has officially launched. Move Together Buckinghamshire is a free physical activity and movement support service available to residents in eligible areas of Aylesbury, Chesham and Wycombe, who are aged 50+ and living with an eligible long-term health condition.

The programme offers personalised, one-to-one support and guidance over a 12-week period, helping individuals to move more in a way that works for them. This in turn leads to improved mental wellbeing, social connection, and independence.

Commissioned by Buckinghamshire Council and delivered by Active in the Community (AITC), in partnership with Leap and Age UK Buckinghamshire, the service aims to support 3,000 residents over the next three years.

The service is underpinned by the JOY platform, a new digital tool that connects residents with local activities and services, bridging the gap between primary care and community support.

Councillor Isobel Darby, Buckinghamshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Health & Wellbeing, said: "We are proud to launch Move Together Buckinghamshire, a service that reflects our commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of our residents. By supporting people to move more in ways that work for them, we can help reduce isolation, improve mental and physical health, and empower people to live more independent lives."

Kirsty Gillingham, Director of AITC, added: "We are delighted to have been commissioned for this three-year programme by Buckinghamshire Council. Working with our amazing partners, we’re set to transform thousands of lives through the power of physical activity, helping those most in need."

Chris Gregory, Head of Strategic Relationships at Leap, said: "The Move Together Pathway is an exciting new service that will connect the health and social care sector with community movement and activity providers. It will provide dedicated behaviour change support for residents living in our least active areas."

Mark Russell, Chief Executive of Age UK Buckinghamshire, commented: "At Age UK Bucks, we want to change how we all age for the better. This programme will help us build more movement into our lives, which is crucial to staying healthy and independent."

Residents can find out more and register for the scheme online.