1st July 2026
The Fit 4 U programme is celebrating 20 years of supporting hundreds of people across the Southern Trust area to live more active, connected lives.
Service users, carers, volunteers and staff came together at the end of June to mark major milestones for the Southern Health and Social Care Trust’s Fit 4 U service.
Events were held across Banbridge, Dungannon, Craigavon, Newry and Armagh, marking 20 years of Fit 4 U for adults with a physical disability and 10 years of Fit 4 U 2 for adults with a learning disability.
The events provided an opportunity to reflect on the programme’s development and positive impact across the Trust area. Guests shared personal stories, revisited photographs documenting its journey, and received commemorative medals. Makaton choirs, involving service users from each of the groups from across the Trust led the celebrations and added to the celebratory atmosphere.
Rhonda Richardson, Fit 4 U Co-ordinator, said:
“I have been with Fit 4 U from the very beginning in 2006 and have seen it grow from a small Big Lottery-funded project into a Trust-wide service. I am very proud of the difference it makes and feel privileged to have supported people over many years to improve their health and wellbeing.
“Fit 4 U is also supported by volunteers who give their time each week to help deliver the programme. I pay tribute to everyone who has contributed over the years and I am very grateful to have worked alongside such kind and dedicated people.”
Gerard Rocks, Assistant Director of Promoting Wellbeing, added:
“Fit 4 U is a powerful example of how we support people to live well and remain active within their communities. By providing accessible opportunities for physical activity, social connection and confidence-building, the service reflects our commitment to a Community First approach, helping people stay connected, independent and supported closer to home.
“It is inspiring to see the impact of the programme over the past 20 years, and we are committed to building on this so that more people can benefit in the future.”
Originally established in 2006, the programme expanded in 2016 with the introduction of Fit 4 U 2, extending opportunities to adults with a learning disability.
Today, the programme delivers 10 leisure centre sessions and two online sessions each week, supporting around 500 people annually through activities in both community and Trust facilities.
Fit 4 U has been recognised through nominations for the HSC Quality Awards, Southern Trust Excellence Awards and Our People Awards, and has been showcased at national and regional conferences as an example of good practice in inclusive physical activity.
As the celebrations concluded, there was a strong sense of pride in what has been achieved over the past two decades, alongside optimism for the future. The programme continues to play a vital role in helping people stay active, build confidence and form lasting friendships close to home.
As part of our Fit 4 U 20th anniversary celebrations, service users share how the programme has helped them stay active, build confidence and make lasting friendships. Hear their stories and discover why Fit 4 U continues to make a difference across the Southern Trust area.