A new series of health and wellbeing classes designed to support and inspire women through every phase of menopause is launching soon at BH Live Active, Littledown.

The first of four six‑week confidence courses, Rise and Shine, begins on Thursday 16 April 2026. The programme offers an inclusive, friendly space where women can build confidence, connect with others, and stay active.

The weekly classes start early and will include a different activity, ranging 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 we will share content exploring different menopause related topics to provide guidance, reassurance and practical support.

Thanks to generous funding from the AFC Bournemouth Cherries Community Fund, the courses have been subsidised to make them more accessible to all.

The six‑week course costs just £20* per person and spaces are limited to 25 participants.

More courses are expected to run between June and October 2026.

To register you interest or secure a place on the April course, email communityclasses@bhlive.org.uk.

Littledown is owned by BCP Council and operated in partnership with BH Live, a registered charity and social enterprise.

On behalf of BH Live, Viv Galpin, Bournemouth Health & Wellbeing Manager, shared;

“Perimenopause and menopause can bring significant physical and emotional changes. We know that stepping into a leisure centre can sometimes feel daunting and may be the last thing you feel like doing.

Through our Rise and Shine courses, we want to make that first step easier by creating a welcoming, supportive space where women can get active together and improve their health and wellbeing”.

We’re incredibly grateful for the support from the AFC Bournemouth Cherries Community Fund, which has helped us create something truly meaningful for our community.”

The launch of Rise and Shine follows the success of BH Live’s Beat the Pause programme which continues to make a real difference to women’s lives across Bournemouth.

Initially funded by Sport England in 2022 to support women through fitness, wellbeing, and lifestyle guidance, this tailored health and wellbeing programme has gained national recognition for its role in championing exercise for peri-menopausal and menopausal health.

This underscores the importance of community-led programmes that give people the tools and confidence to thrive during menopause.

For more information about BH Live’s health and wellbeing programmes, visit bhliveactive.org.uk/health-and-wellbeing-activities.

For more information about Littledown, visit bhliveactive.org.uk/littledown.

*£20 payable upfront and in advance will go towards making this programme sustainable beyond the 6-month funding so that more people in the community can benefit.