Rainbow Foundation Expands Award-Winning Programme to Help Older Adults Reverse Frailty and Reclaim Independence thanks to National Lottery Funding.
“Ageing is inevitable—but frailty doesn’t have to be,” says Caroline Tudor-James, CEO of the Rainbow Foundation. “Getting older doesn’t mean slowing down. With the right support, we’re showing that people can build strength, reduce pain, and stay active, returning to the things they love, whether it’s gardening, walking, or spending time with family.”
That’s the philosophy behind the multi award-winning Active Futures programme, which is helping older adults across North Wales reverse frailty, reduce daily pain, and reconnect with life. Thanks to generous funding from the National Lottery, the Rainbow Foundation is now relaunching and expanding their Active Futures programmes across Wrexham, Denbighshire, and Flintshire.
Hundreds of people have already completed the programme in Wrexham, with remarkable results: improved walking ability, overall strength, balance, hand grip, and mental wellbeing. Notably, no repeat falls have been reported two years after completing the programme.
Julia, one of the first participants, shares: “After completing the programme, I can walk without pain—and no sticks in sight!”
New Groups Begin September 2025
Active Futures is a free 12-week programme for adults aged 65 and over. Participants attend twice-weekly sessions at one of six locations across North East Wales. Led by a physiotherapist and a team of social prescribers, the sessions focus on building strength, balance, and confidence.
Initial health assessments are conducted before classes begin to ensure suitability and track progress. Attendance at both weekly sessions is essential to gain the full benefit.
A Community-Led Approach to Healthy Ageing
“Active Futures is more than just an exercise programme—it’s a community-led intervention that reframes how we think about ageing and health,” says Ian Pope, Director of Operations. “By integrating physical activity, social connection, and behavioural support into local settings, we empower older adults to take control of their wellbeing. It’s a model endorsed by health and medical professionals and backed by evidence that shows how lifestyle changes can dramatically improve quality of life in later years.”
Sharon Latham, a qualified nurse and social prescriber on the programme, adds: “We’re helping older adults get active, reconnect locally, and rediscover the things they enjoy in everyday life again.”
The programme aligns with growing evidence that lifestyle changes—especially around movement and behaviour—can significantly reduce the risk of chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and dementia, while also preventing falls and reversing frailty.
Introducing Fit Futures: A New Path to Lifelong Wellness
The Rainbow Foundation is also expanding its offering with Fit Futures—a structured group programme originally developed for Active Futures graduates. Now open to the wider community, Fit Futures is ideal for adults aged 50+ who are more mobile and want to maintain strength, balance, and independence. While not free, the sessions offer excellent value for those committed to long-term wellbeing.
Who Can Join?
- Active Futures: Free for adults aged 65+ experiencing frailty or using a walking aid.
- Fit Futures: Open to adults aged 50+ who are mobile and seeking to improve fitness and wellbeing.
- Transport support is available for Active Futures participants who need help getting to sessions.
Programme Benefits
- Improved strength, mobility, and confidence
- Reduced pain and frailty
- Enhanced mental wellbeing and social connection
Participants can choose from six locations across North East Wales, including Penley Rainbow Centre, Piercy Hall in Marchwiel, Mynydd Isa Community Centre, Glyndyfrdwy Village Hall, Gwersyllt Resource Centre, and Acton Community Resource Centre. Each site offers twice-weekly sessions led by qualified professionals, creating a safe and supportive environment for older adults to build strength, improve balance, and connect with others.
If you or someone you know could benefit, enrolment is now open for both Active Futures and Fit Futures. For more information and to register for the program call the Rainbow Foundation or 01948 830730 or visit www.rainbowfndn.org.uk.
