On 25 February 2026, Kent County Council announced that several community groups in Sittingbourne, Kent, will receive funding to provide free health and fitness sessions for residents aged 50 and older. The money is part of a new programme called Forever Active Kent, which aims to help older people stay mobile and meet others in their community.
A total of 28 charities and clubs across the county were selected to share £148,295 in funding. Each group will receive up to £6,000 every year for a three-year period to run local wellbeing programmes and social activities.
Local organisations receiving the grants include Diversity House Limited, Swale Community Leisure, and Swale Community Voluntary Services. These groups will offer free sessions designed to improve strength and balance while helping to reduce the risk of long-term health issues like depression and cancer.
According to Active Kent & Medway, the new service will officially start in April 2026. It replaces a previous council programme that focused only on preventing falls, moving instead toward a broader approach to healthy ageing and keeping people connected to their neighbours.
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