BH Live’s health and wellbeing team is celebrating the successful launch of its Rise and Shine programme at Bournemouth’s flagship sports and leisure centre, BH Live Active Littledown.
Designed to support and inspire women through every phase of menopause, the programme offers an inclusive, friendly space where women can build confidence, connect with others, and stay active.
The first of the four six‑week confidence courses was launched in April 2026. Starting early in the morning, each weekly class included a different workout activity from circuits to Pilates and more in between; followed by a light breakfast with tea, coffee and conversation in Littledown’s Terrace Café.
Each week, different menopause related topics were discussed to provide guidance, reassurance and practical support.
Thanks to the programme’s success, more classes will launch in June 2026. Spaces are still available, with the six‑week course costing just £20* per person. To register your interest or secure a future place, email communityclasses@bhlive.org.uk.
Thanks to generous funding from the AFC Bournemouth Cherries Community Fund, the courses have been subsidised to make them accessible to all.
Classes are led by Viv Galpin, BH Live’s Bournemouth Health & Wellbeing Manager, who delivers the programme every week at BH Live Active, Littledown.
“It’s been incredibly rewarding to see such a positive response to our Rise and Shine programme at Littledown. The course was designed to create a supportive and welcoming space where women can feel confident, stay active, and connect with others who may be experiencing similar stages of menopause.
“Each week, we’ve seen participants grow not only in confidence, but also in their physical and emotional wellbeing. The combination of varied exercise, open conversation, and practical information has really resonated with the group.
“We’re proud to offer a programme that helps break down barriers to activity, while also providing reassurance and community support. We’re very much looking forward to welcoming new participants to upcoming courses and continuing to build on this success.”
Now that they have completed the programme, members of the group have reflected on the physical, emotional and social benefits they’ve gained, sharing how these weekly classes have become an important and uplifting part of their routine.
Lucy is one participant who has benefited. She said,
“It’s been brilliant to try all the different activities; I’d never even tried an exercise class before this programme. I’ve looked forward to coming to the class every week. It’s a really friendly group, and there’s no judgement. Everyone is welcome to do the exercises at their own pace. There are even adapted movements for people looking for an easier or more intense workout.”
Kirsty, another participant, shared;
“I really enjoyed these sessions. I found them incredibly positive and so easy to fit into my daily routine. It’s a great insight into the different group exercise classes on offer in the centre, and they’ve really complimented my regular fitness routine.”
Nikki shared;
“The sessions are brilliant. I have so much more energy and feel so good after participating in the classes. It’s a great way to socialise with others in the same boat as you, and the weekly resources and tips about menopause are so helpful.”
BH Live is committed to inspiring more people to improve their health and wellbeing by moving more regularly and reducing barriers to physical activity. Other health and wellbeing initiatives in Bournemouth include Swim Free in Pregnancy, PD (Parkinson’s Disease) Challenge, Beat The Pause menopause sessions, guided health walks, and much more.
For more information about BH Live’s health and wellbeing programmes, visit bhliveactive.org.uk/health-and-wellbeing-activities.
Littledown Centre is operated by BH Live, a registered charity and social enterprise.
For more information about BH Live, visit bhlive.org.uk.
-ENDS-
Notes to Editors:
*£20 payable upfront and in advance will go towards making this programme sustainable beyond the 6 months funding so that more people in the community can benefit from it.
For more information about BH Live please contact:
Daisy Saunders, PR & Communications Executive
E: press.office@bhlive.org.uk
About BH Live
Champions of community engagement, health and wellness across Dorset, Hampshire, and London
BH Live, a registered charity and social enterprise, is a leading operator of sports and leisure centres, theatres, and event venues.
BH Live (Enterprises) Limited is a wholly owned trading subsidiary of the parent organisation, established to manage the non-charitable activities, primarily relating to Conferences and Exhibitions.
Our vision is to create sustainable and inspiring opportunities, deliver great experiences for our communities, and improve health and well-being.
With a strong commitment to accessibility and community engagement, BH Live continues to enhance the quality of people’s lives, health and wellbeing in the communities it serves.
BH Live was established in 2010. Local authority partners include BCP Council, Portsmouth City Council, Croydon Council, and Southampton City Council.
We are at the heart of the UK’s growing social economy. Together with our partners we are helping to change lives and make a positive impact in the community.
For more visit bhlive.org.uk.
Get social with us:
LinkedIn – BH Live
Facebook – @SocialEnterpriseBHLive
Instagram @bhliveuk
Head office address: Bournemouth International Centre, Exeter Road, Bournemouth, BH2 5BH, DORSET
BH Live is a leisure and cultural trust, established in 2010 as a ‘non profit distributing organisation’ (NPDO) for public benefit to promote participation in leisure and cultural events. BH Live is a Company Limited by Guarantee and Registered Charity. Charity No: 1138311. Company No: 07092112. VAT Reg No: 108 2248 37. BH Live (Enterprises) Ltd, is a Private Company Limited by Shares and a wholly owned subsidiary of BH Live. Company No: 07175626. VAT Reg No: 108 2248 37. Registered Office: Bournemouth International Centre, Exeter Road, Bournemouth, BH2 5BH. Registered in England and Wales.
About BH Live Active, Littledown
Littledown is operated by the registered charity BH Live in partnership with BCP Council.
Set in 47 acres of parkland, Littledown has some of the finest leisure, swimming, football and gym facilities in the country.
It is ranked among the top performing leisure centres in the UK, is accredited by quality scheme QUEST and is a National Fitness Award winner for the Local Authority/Leisure Trust Gym of the Year and finalist for the Best Group Exercise Gym of the Year.
It has more than 1.2 million attendances a year and is home to clubs including BH Live’s Swimming Academy, Swim Bournemouth, Littledown Juniors Football Club and Play Football. Indoor facilities include 25-metre and 17-metre swimming pools for lane swimming, public swimming sessions, pool-based classes and lessons. There is also a splash pool, steam room and sauna.
The centre has one of the largest gyms in the region complete with activity programmes for young people, and support for people recovering from an illness, injury or who are living with a long-term health condition. There are multiple training zones with ground level and lift access. There is something to suit every activity preference and level of fitness with cardio equipment, free weights and functional fitness training space. Hundreds of group exercise classes run seven days a week such as TechnogymTM Group Cycle sessions, circuits, yoga, Pilates, HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training) and Les Mills™ classes including BodyBalance, BodyPump, BodyCombat, BodyAttack, Sprint and more.
There is a large sports hall for events and multi-sport activities including trampolining, badminton, table tennis, football and gymnastics. Open to members and non members is Littledown’s Terrace Café (with soft play for under 5s) and Lookout at Littledown bar, each with free customer WiFi. Here you can buy all sorts of snacks, meals and drinks to enjoy indoors or outdoors for al fresco refueling, eating, drinking and socialising.
Outdoor features include six floodlit 3G rubber crumb training pitches, grass football pitches, parkland for recreation and events, a cricket pitch and pavilion, lake, children’s playground, a paddling pool (open summer months), outdoor catering and free customer parking for up to three hours seven days a week. Littledown Park is also home to Littledown Miniature Railway.
ANPR is in operation at BH Live Active, Littledown. Customers get free customer parking for up to 3 hours seven days a week. Charges apply for longer stays.
For more visit bhliveactive.org.uk/littledown
Get social with us:
Instagram @bhliveactive
Facebook @littledowncentre
Address; BH Live Active Littledown, Chaseside, Bournemouth, BH7 7DX, DORSET