During the financial year, Running Head First CIC continued to provide accessible physical activity and wellbeing opportunities, with a particular focus on supporting people who may experience financial, social, physical or confidence-related barriers to accessing conventional exercise.
During the year, approximately 250 people were supported through a combination of funded programmes, affordable community provision and ongoing exercise opportunities. Our activities included a 12-week Couch to 5K programme funded through the Sport England Movement Fund for people experiencing mental wellbeing issues. The programme combined structured running with peer support, nutrition and lifestyle support. Participants were supported to improve their physical fitness, confidence, mental wellbeing and social connection, with opportunities to continue running through our associated run club after completing the programme.
National Lottery Awards for All funding supported chair-based exercise for people aged over 65, particularly those experiencing limited mobility, social isolation or a lack of confidence accessing conventional gyms and exercise classes. The programme focused on improving strength, mobility, independence, confidence and social connection. We also provided low cost circuit training for older adults, creating an affordable route for participants to continue exercising beyond funded provision. Funding from the Ann Duchess of Westminster Fund enabled us to provide structured and supported gym sessions for people experiencing or recovering from drug and alcohol addiction. Participants were supported to develop physical fitness, routine, confidence, mental wellbeing, social connection and a more positive relationship with exercise. We worked with Phoenix Futures to support access to this provision. We continued to provide low-cost fitness classes for people who may otherwise struggle to access commercial fitness services due to cost or a lack of confidence in conventional gym environments. We worked with Liverpool City Region Households into Work to support individuals with their physical and mental wellbeing, confidence and routine, helping participants move towards being in a position to return to or access employment. National Lottery Awards for All funding also supported our menopause programme. This combined structured exercise and strength training with education and support around menopause, nutrition and lifestyle. The programme also provided opportunities for peer support and social connection. Participants accessed our activities through partner organisations including Phoenix Futures and Liverpool City Region Households into Work, as well as through direct self-referral. Where possible, participants were provided with opportunities to continue exercising after individual funded programmes had ended. Alongside grant funding, the CIC raised additional funds to support its community activities through donations and fundraising. This included funds generated through Excalibur Trail Races and the Wirral Summer Trail Series, the Christmas Rowing Challenge and director-led fundraising. Volunteers also supported the organisation through administration and fundraising activities.During the year, the CIC developed new activities, strengthened partnerships and expanded the range of accessible opportunities available to the community. Our provision remained focused on reducing barriers to physical activity and creating supportive environments in which people could improve their physical health, mental wellbeing, confidence and social connection. Through these activities, Running Head First CIC continued to fulfil its community purpose by providing accessible and affordable opportunities for physical activity and using exercise as a means of improving wellbeing and supporting people within the community

Stakeholder consultation has primarily taken place informally through regular conversations with participants during and after activities, communication with coaches and volunteers, and discussions with referral partners including Phoenix Futures and Liverpool City Region Households into Work.

 Feedback has helped us understand the barriers participants face when accessing physical activity, including cost, confidence, mobility and the transition from supported programmes into independent exercise. In response, we have continued to develop affordable and supportive opportunities for participants. This has included providing low-cost exercise classes, developing ongoing circuit training for older adults and providing progression opportunities for Couch to 5K participants through the run club. We have also continued to work with referral partners to ensure activities are appropriate for the needs of the people they support and have adapted our provision where appropriate in response to participant and partner feedback.