A new monthly running group is launching in Portsmouth, offering autistic adults an inclusive and supportive space to enjoy running, build confidence, and boost wellbeing.
For both seasoned runners and those just getting started, the sessions are being delivered by registered charities BH Live and Autism Hampshire.
The free sessions will be delivered by BH Live Active instructors and Autism Hampshire’s Serendipity Community Group Co-ordinators.
They are designed to be inclusive, friendly, and supportive offering autistic adults the opportunity to enjoy running in a supportive environment, at their own pace and on their own terms.
Launching on 14 July 2025, the sessions will take place every month from 11am to 12pm on the athletics track at Mountbatten Leisure Centre. All attendees must register in advance by emailing Serendipity@AutismHampshire.org.uk.
All fitness levels are welcome. People who need 1-2-1 support are welcome to bring someone along with them, including a support worker, carer, friend or family member.
Mountbatten Leisure Centre is operated by BH Live in partnership with Portsmouth City Council.
On behalf of BH Live, Carla Earle, Portsmouth’s Community Sports Manager, shared;
“We are pleased to be working with Autism Hampshire to deliver these community running sessions and encourage more people to enjoy the benefits of being active. It’s so important to ensure that autistic adults feel welcome and recognised within sport and leisure spaces. We hope that this new session encourages more residents across the city to discover the benefits of running, meet people, and have a positive experience.”
Sessions are accessible to registered members of Autism Hampshire’s Serendipity Community Groups, which are a great way for autistic adults to meet in a supportive and non-judgmental setting.
Each group is welcoming and encourages new members to join and participate in any way they feel able to.
Autism Hampshire’s Head of Community Services, Cheryl Claxton, said;
“We already have specialist groups for art, drama, and walking – designed for people who want a more specific focus. So we’re delighted to now add running to that list.
“It’s also a real pleasure to be collaborating with BH Live to promote greater inclusion in sport and leisure.
“Our groups are welcoming, flexible, and free from judgment. Our teams at Autism Hampshire are here to support autistic people, their families and professionals so if you’re interested in this group – or any of our others – we’re here to help and would love to hear from you.”
More information on the community groups, upcoming sessions, and how to register can be found at AutismHampshire.org.uk/Serendipity.
For more information on facilities and opening times, visit bhliveactive.org.uk/mountbatten.
-ENDS-
Notes to Editors:
For more information about BH Live please contact:
Daisy Saunders, PR & Communications Executive
E: press.office@bhlive.org.uk
For more information about Autism Hampshire please contact:
01489 880 881
marketing@autismhampshire.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. 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 and Croydon 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
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 Mountbatten Leisure Centre
Portsmouth’s flagship leisure and event venue. Located in the heart of Hilsea, Mountbatten is located just a short distance from Portsmouth’s city centre. Its large well-equipped gym, accessible by lift, has multiple zones with something to suit every activity preference and level of fitness. Dedicated training areas have lots of cardio kit to choose from, free weights, functional fitness spaces and more.
With health and wellbeing professionals on hand, there is also an exercise referral team to offer guidance and support if recovering from an illness, injury or long term health condition. Group exercise classes run seven days a week and include Les Mills™ BodyPump, BodyCombat, Sprint, Grit, Group Cycle, Bootcamp, Shapes, yoga, Pilates, aqua, group cycle, circuits, and more.
There is a 50 metre swimming pool (divided into two) with regular public swimming sessions, lane swimming, pool-based classes and lessons. There is also a smaller teaching pool for little ones and lessons. Mountbatten is home to AquaDash – a large pool inflatable course – great fun for young people, team building away days, and parties. Spa facilities include a sauna, spa bath and steam room.
Mountbatten offers a broad health and wellbeing programme which focuses on helping people with long-term conditions to stay active and build their confidence in one one-on-one or group settings
Mountbatten is also home to a Clip ‘N Climb leisure attraction and an eight-court sports hall where multi-sport activities and events are held throughout the year in partnership with local clubs and schools. An outdoor velodrome and athletics track hosts regular training, events and competitions throughout the year.
Open to members and non members a Terrace Café has free customer WiFi and a children’s soft play facility. Here you can buy all sorts of snacks, meals and drinks.
From August 2024, ANPR will be in operation. There is free customer parking for up to four hours seven days a week with accessible spaces for Blue Badge holders. Charges apply for longer stays – see car park signage for details.
Find out more at bhliveactive.org.uk/mountbatten
Get social with us:
Facebook – @mountbattenlc
Instagram – @bhliveactive
About Autism Hampshire
Autism Hampshire is the leading local autism charity delivering quality services across Hampshire, which are designed to meet the needs of autistic children, young people and adults, their families and professionals.
Services include autism-focused training, supported living services, community groups for autistic adults, a Local Autism Directory, and an Information, Advice and Guidance Team that provides free to access autism specialist information for autistic people, their families and professionals, pre, post and during diagnosis.
Autism Hampshire is also part of Avenues Group – a charity specialising in supporting autistic people and people with learning disabilities and complex support needs across the south, London, Midlands and East of England.