City council’s Live Longer Better programme wins national award
Winchester City Council is celebrating success after its Live Longer Better programme received national recognition for its innovative approach to helping older people across the Winchester district stay active, independent and socially connected.
The Association for Public Service Excellence (APSE) Awards recognise the outstanding work taking place in local authorities across the UK and celebrates excellence in frontline service delivery.
Winners were announced at the APSE Service Awards Charity Dinner, in aid of Parkinson's UK, on Thursday 17 September in Liverpool. Winchester City Council won the award for Best Health and Wellbeing Initiative for Live Longer Better, and were shortlisted for Best Climate Action or Decarbonisation Initiative – for the council’s commitment to planning-led climate action in its recently adopted Local Plan.
Live Longer Better, funded by Hampshire County Council and supported by Energise Me, delivers physical activity sessions for people aged 65 and over in sheltered housing schemes, care homes and community venues.
Since launching, over 200 residents have taken part across the district. 90% of people reported their activity levels had maintained or improved, whilst over half of participants said they changed from being inactive to active within six months. Activities include strength and balance training, seated exercise, dance sessions and seated yoga, all designed to improve mobility, reduce the risk of falls, enhance wellbeing and tackle social isolation.
Live Longer Better is all about cocreation, with residents helping to shape activities and delivery through workshops and coffee mornings. By focusing on prevention and early intervention, the initiative supports residents to maintain their independence while helping to reduce pressure on health and social care services.
Cllr Kathleen Becker, Cabinet Member for Healthy Communities, said: "We’ve had such a positive response from residents to our Live Longer Better programme, and I’m so pleased this has been recognised with a national award from APSE.
“As we age, keeping active isn’t just about movement – it’s about maintaining independence, confidence and quality of life. Residents aged 65 up to 101 years old have taken part in different settings, and the programme is making a really positive impact."
The programme’s success has been driven by strong partnership working between the city council’s housing team, community & wellbeing team, as well as delivery partners, Everyone Active and Move Momentum.
Looking ahead, Winchester City Council plans to build on the success of Live Longer Better by expanding the programme, with a particular focus on reaching residents on lower incomes.
This APSE award recognises the council’s commitment to creating healthier, more connected communities and demonstrates how local authorities can successfully support older people to live active, fulfilling and independent lives.
You can read more about the city council’s Live Longer Better programme here: Live Longer Better - Winchester City Council