The initiative expands on the success of Nuffield Health’s Joint Pain Programme, which supports people living with musculoskeletal pain through structured exercise. The new programme will address a wider range of long-term health conditions, including cardiovascular, metabolic and respiratory diseases.

Developed in collaboration with experts from Manchester Metropolitan University at the Manchester Institute for Health & Performance, the programme will initially operate from 11 locations across the UK. Participants will access the programme via referral from a GP, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It is designed for individuals living with long-term conditions who experience chronic pain, fatigue or breathlessness.

Social value research conducted with Frontier Economics highlights the impact of Nuffield Health’s Joint Pain Programme. In 2024, over 12,000 participants reported notable improvements in pain and quality of life, resulting in 86,000 fewer sick days and the avoidance of 31,000 GP appointments.

In Greater Manchester, around 516,000 people live with musculoskeletal conditions, yet fewer than a third currently have a care plan. Research suggests that providing structured exercise classes for those with joint pain in the region could save 900,000 sick days and prevent 250,000 GP appointments annually. The projected social and economic benefits for local people, the NHS, and the wider economy could reach £1.7 billion, with 3,000 people potentially returning to work.

If rolled out across the UK, the programme could generate as much as £34 billion in social value, including £18 billion in health benefits, £13 billion for carers, and £230 million in NHS savings.

Davina Deniszczyc, Nuffield Health’s charity and medical director, said: 'This programme provides people in Greater Manchester with safe, expert-led exercise that can significantly improve their health and quality of life. By making it freely available, we are helping participants reduce pain, regain independence, and return to activities they enjoy, while also easing pressure on the NHS.'

Professor Tim Cable of Manchester Metropolitan University added: 'Our research demonstrates the transformative potential of structured exercise in managing long-term conditions. Greater Manchester can be a leading example, and our partnership with Nuffield Health builds on the success of existing programmes. Scaled nationally, this approach could improve lives, reduce NHS demand, and generate billions in social and economic benefits.'