Physical activity funding scheme for workplaces

Information about the scheme 

A new funding scheme has been introduced to enable North Somerset workplaces to offer physical activity opportunities for their staff to be more active: 

• To become more physically active 

• To encourage employees who are less active to become active 

• To increase the number of minutes of physical activity achieved per week by employees 

• To enjoy taking part in physical activity 

What kind of things can workplaces apply for funding for? 

Examples of physical activities that workplaces could apply for funding for are a 6 week course of yoga/pilates, kettle bells, an exercise bike for the workplace, walking/running groups, Nordic walking to name but a few. The activities could be online or in person, either during working hours or after work or at weekends and inclusive e.g. chair yoga.  For inspiration see our ideas list

What is the purpose of this funding scheme? 

This funding opportunity will address the importance of breaking up sedentary time whilst at work, getting active and all the physical and wellbeing benefits it can offer, as well as showing commitment to employees from the organisations that staff are valued and taken care of.  Longer term aims are to continue to improve physical activity levels at work and beyond. This funding can be used as a springboard to other activities and improve wellbeing and relationships within the workplace.

Who is eligible to apply for this funding? 

 The scheme will allow small and medium-sized enterprises (SME’s) and other workplaces who may find accessing funds for establishing “getting active” groups challenging. By bringing the activity into the workplace, it will be an opportunity to promote and increase employee activity levels during the working day. Workplaces will be encouraged to consult with employees as to the most appropriate type of activity depending on their particular workforce, with particular emphasis on encouraging those who are less active to become gradually more active during their working day.    

To be eligible for this funding you will need to meet the follow criteria: 

•  Your workplace is in North Somerset  
• If your workplace is a private enterprise, it has less than 250 staff. All public sector and charity workplaces can apply despite the number of staff
• The physical activity intervention targets staff who may be inactive or fairly active e.g. not meeting the recommended physical activity guidelines of 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week
• Participants in the intervention complete a pre and post physical activity questionnaire (example provided by Healthy Workplaces team – see below)
• The workplace completes an end of intervention evaluation form, which would include feedback from the participants (to follow from the Healthy Workplaces team) 

How much funding can we apply for? 

This scheme is an opportunity for workplaces to apply for £250 of funding to establish a physical activity scheme within their workplace.   

What are we looking for? 

A review panel will look at all the applications and mark them using these criteria. The higher the score the more likely funding will be allocated. 

• Physical activity intervention and why it was chosen 

• How the intervention will benefit staff and how many people it will benefit

• Evidence of consultation with staff to ensure uptake 

• Sustainability of the model beyond the duration of the funding scheme 

We also invite workplaces to use photos or short videos to showcase their projects to inspire others, which we would like to share at our Healthy Workplaces event in November and on our website.

What is not included in this funding 

Funding for individuals to attend courses of exercise classes external to the workplace.

How to apply for funding 

Please complete the application form to be considered for this funding. If you are successful in receiving funding, we will make the arrangements for payments and hope to complete this by mid June 2025.

Application Form

Dates for your diary 

• 2 April 2025 – open for applications for funding scheme 

• 2 April 2025 – Healthy Workplaces physical activity webinar Book on eventbrite

• 30 April 2025 – Healthy Workplaces physical activity funding scheme closing date for applications 

• 9 May 2025 – Announcement of results of funding 

• 12 May – 12 June 2025 – Payment process for successful projects

• 12 October 2025 – Finish date of workplace physical activity interventions and closing date for return of evaluation forms 
• 18 November 2025  – Healthy Workplaces Celebratory Event, Grand Atlantic Hotel, Weston-super-Mare 

More information about getting active

Find out more information about getting active and all the different ways you can increase your activity levels

Get active