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Nottingham Forest Community Trust has officially launched Healthy Goals, a brand-new health and wellbeing programme designed to make physical activity and mental health support more accessible to communities across Nottingham City and Ashfield.

The initiative is delivering free, physical activity sessions for both teenagers (ages 11–16) and adults (18+), providing opportunities to improve fitness, improve mental wellbeing, build confidence, and strengthen community connections. Sessions will be delivered in Nottingham City and in Ashfield in Nottinghamshire County. 

Healthy Goals is funded by the Premier League Charitable Fund, the Professional Footballers’ Association and in partnership with Public Health teams in Nottinghamshire County Council and Nottingham City Council.

It builds on the success of the Community Trust’s Healthy Communities programme, a two-year initiative that made a measurable difference to local health outcomes.

Healthy Goals has been designed to improve both physical and mental wellbeing in ways that are simple, sustainable, and enjoyable. The programme makes it easy for people to take part by offering sessions that are completely free and open to all abilities. Participants will be able to improve their fitness and strength through high-energy, structured workouts. Alongside the physical benefits, every session also includes a focus on mindfulness and mental wellbeing, giving people practical ways to reduce stress and build resilience.

The sessions are designed to be confidence-building, encouraging participants to push themselves in a positive and supportive environment. They also offer valuable opportunities for people to connect with others, make new friends, and strengthen their sense of community. Importantly, the programme will also provide signposting to other local health and wellbeing services, ensuring that participants can continue their journey to better health outside of the sessions themselves.

Calum Osborne, CEO of Nottingham Forest Community Trust, said:

“At Nottingham Forest Community Trust, health and wellbeing is a core part of our strategy. We are committed to tackling health inequalities and ensuring that people in our communities have the right support to live healthier, happier lives.

Healthy Goals reflects our ambition to use the power of football and sport to create real, lasting impact in people’s lives. By working with our funding partners and local authorities, we can deliver programmes that are not only accessible but also make a meaningful difference to both physical and mental health.”

The programme has been developed with the close involvement of the public health departments at Nottingham City Council and Nottinghamshire County Council, who play a key role in identifying local health priorities and ensuring resources reach communities most in need. Their expertise and insight have been vital in shaping the delivery of Healthy Goals to make sure it complements wider public health strategies to reduce health inequalities and improve wellbeing across the city and county.

Councillor Dawn Justice, Cabinet Member for Communities and Public Health at Nottinghamshire County Council, said: 

“We are pleased to be supporting the Healthy Goals project delivered by Nottingham Forest Community Trust. We know that regular physical activity and connection with others is good for our mental wellbeing as well as our physical health. This project will help our residents to stay active, boost their mental wellbeing and connect with others in their community. As a representative from the Ashfield area, I am very pleased to see this initiative rolled out in Ashfield, where I am sure it will have a very positive impact."

Councillor Helen Kalsi, Executive Member for Adults, Social Care and Public Health at Nottingham City Council, said:

"The Healthy Goals programme is an excellent opportunity for residents in Nottingham to access free activity sessions, which will support their physical and mental wellbeing. Getting out, meeting people and moving more can help us all feel healthier. I'm thrilled we can support this, and excited to see how the project progresses and benefits all of our communities."