Wellbeing

We want to support all residents to unlock the health benefits of being active. But what do we actually mean by being active?

The Chief Medical Officer’s recommendations on physical activity are:

Asian boy about 1 year old. Playing in the living room in the house
For toddlers and
pre-schoolers
(1 to 4 years old)
to engage in at least 180 minutes (3 hours) of physical activity per day.
junior gym fitness session with three older children stretching
For children and young people
(5 to 18 years old)
to engage in at least 60 minutes (1 hour) of physical activity per day.
For adults and older adults
(19 years old and over)
to engage in at least 150 minutes (2 ½ hours) of physical activity per week.

Don’t worry if those recommendations sound overwhelming, every bit of physical activity counts towards improving your health. The key is to take that first step, no matter how small.

Developing an inclusive wellbeing offer 

We are striving to ensure that everyone feels welcomed and comfortable in our centres, and so we are working hard to develop a diverse and inclusive offer.

We have a dedicated women-only programme and will be offering free swimming for women, girls, and residents over 55 years, launching summer 2024. Please see our complete schedule of activities to find out more. 

We are also working with partners to improve our current offer and develop specific activities for people living with a health condition or a disability.

If you have ideas to help shape our health and wellbeing service, please get in touch.

Health and wellbeing services 

If you live with a disability or a health condition, the following services are available to provide guidance and support to help you get active.

  • Ability Bow is a local charity providing specialist exercise support for people living with disabilities or complex health conditions.
  • Social Action for Health offers a free 8-week course to support people in the borough living with long-term conditions around nutrition and physical activity. 
  • Ramblers Wellbeing Walks organises short and friendly walks in and around Tower Hamlets suitable for everyone.
  • We are Undefeatable is a national website containing lots of inspiring stories, tips, and support for people living with a long-term condition.
  • Nuffield Chronic Joint Pain programme offers a free structured rehabilitation programme for anyone living with chronic joint pain. 
  • The NHS South East London Cancer Alliance offers tips, videos and support for being active when living with cancer. 

If you are looking for other health and wellbeing services, including stopping smoking, mental health support and weight management, visit Tower Hamlets Connect to find advice on health, social care, and community services in the borough.

Want to find local physical activities near you?

We have partnered with local physical activity providers to make it easier for you to find services in the borough.  

To search for an activity, visit our Activity Finder and filter your preference by distance, time, price, level, accessibility and more!

Note: If you are a physical activity provider and are not yet listed on our finder you can add your sessions using Open Sessions. Read our disclaimer. 

Just Keep Swimming

Our inclusive swimming programme has something on offer for everyone...including a new free swimming programme for women and girls aged 16 and over, and men aged 55 and over.* 

*Registration criteria applies. 

About Us

Be Well, run by Tower Hamlets Council, provides leisure services to support residents’ journeys to healthier lifestyles through health, wellness and play.

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