LCCC Residents' Magazine : Spring 2026
Ready to take the first step towards better health?
Be Active, Stay Active is here for you!
Are you living with a health condition or know someone who is struggling with an illness? As part of our Be Active Stay Active programme we offer a wide range of initiatives including health referral. We are here to help you every step of the way.
Programmes are FREE and cover a number of referred health conditions including:
- Various long term chronic conditions
- Cancer rehabilitation
- Cardiac rehabilitation
Each programme will help referred patients lead healthier lifestyles, reducing the likelihood and even delaying the onset of some health conditions.
There is no need to worry if you have never been involved in a class or programme before, as our Be Active, Stay Active team will give you a warm welcome and support you at every stage. The team are qualified in fitness rehabilitation so they can help you become more active and improve your health and wellbeing in a safe and friendly environment at Lagan Valley LeisurePlex and Lough Moss Leisure Centre.
Referral programmes run for up to 12 weeks and give participants access to condition specific classes as well unlimited use of the swimming pool, gym and selected Vitality Membership classes.
The Be Active, Stay Active programme also provides a wide range of free and accessible activities to everyone, not just those referred clients. This includes walking groups, horticultural programmes, health testing, Pilates, armchair aerobics and a welcoming weekly social café.
For further information please email healthandwellbeing@lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk or pop into our social café, which runs every Wednesday at 12 noon in Lagan Valley LeisurePlex and enjoy a cup of tea while a member of the team will talk you through all the services that are available across the council.
Case Studies
Have a read at what our participants think of the Be Active, Stay Active programme and how it has changed their lives.
Lisa
"When I first joined the cancer rehab programme, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I had never done anything like that before and was excited by the prospect. The supportive environment and expert guidance by Andrea made it approachable.
"Over time, I started to notice improvements. Movements that once felt impossible became easier, and my overall strength and endurance increased.
"What made the experience even more special was the sense of community. I met some wonderful people in the programme, we had shared experiences and offered mutual support.
"More than just physical gains, the programme gave me a renewed sense of confidence in my body after cancer. I'm truly grateful for this experience—it’s been a beneficial part of my recovery."
Pat
“I found the chair-based exercise classes enjoyable and beneficial. I would never have believed that such a wide range of exercises, from toes to fingertips, could be achieved from a sitting position.
"My mobility issues are to do with my arthritis in my knees, so the many leg exercises were particularly helpful and achievable. I also found the upper body stretching exercises useful for improving back and shoulder movement and flexibility and I really appreciated the information provided about how the different muscles work.
"I've never been one for leisure centres and group fitness - far too intimidating! But I have to say that your enthusiasm and welcoming ways have made attending exercise classes a pleasant experience. You are always positive and encouraging, allowing us to progress at our own pace with no judgement.
"And what I really like is how you explain the relevance of each exercise and how it benefits a certain part of the body and by extension, how it can impact on our lives. You also ensure we are properly positioned and doing the exercises correctly to avoid damage.
"The variety of activities is excellent and the activities at each week's class is different from the previous one, so boredom never sets in."
Sylvia
“It is good to be part of groups that cater for more mature people who are just trying to improve themselves and their standard of fitness and flexibility, in order to live active lives for as long as possible.
"You treat everyone as individuals, remembering names and individual circumstances, which makes it very personal.
"I am much stronger than I was, able to carry heavy groceries with ease. My legs, arms and core are all much stronger. I can walk further and my blood pressure has improved and I do not become breathless as easily. I am also losing weight, as having to exercise does make you want to eat better and be more active.
"I have been told that I look better and was able to walk long distances on a recent holiday. The routine of attending classes is so good for keeping me motivated and I reward myself with a nice coffee afterwards.”