Leeds Rhinos Foundation is proud to relaunch its MOTIVATE programme, thanks to funding support from Flutter UKI. This 12-week initiative is designed for adults living with inflammatory arthritis, offering free access to expert-led sessions that focus on improving both physical and mental wellbeing through movement, education, and community support.
All sessions run from AMT Headingley Stadium and are completely free to attend.
Held at Headingley Stadium, each weekly session includes:
-
A 45-minute group seminar led by a qualified nutritionist, covering key areas such as nutrition, sleep, stress management, and overall healthy living.
-
A 45-minute accessible physical activity session, including chair-based exercises, Pilates, and adapted circuit training-specifically tailored for those experiencing joint pain and fatigue.
All participants also receive a pre-programme consultation, allowing instructors to understand individual needs and tailor sessions accordingly. This ensures the programme remains bespoke and inclusive, catering to each participant’s ability, mobility level, and confidence.
The programme is co-designed and supported by Leeds Teaching Hospitals Rheumatology Department, ensuring it meets the needs of people living with inflammatory arthritis.
New cohorts are due to begin at the beginning of September, with sessions held weekly for 12 weeks.
Ben Berry, Wellbeing & Inclusion Manager at Leeds Rhinos Foundation, said:
“We’re thankful for our support from Flutter UKI that we’re able to relaunch MOTIVATE. It’s a fantastic programme which supports people with inflammatory arthritis to live healthier, happier, and more active lives, while also providing a support network. Getting or staying active and leading a healthy nutritional lifestyle can be fantastic for your overall health and really support the reduction in symptoms from inflammatory arthritis. We provide a really safe, relaxed, and accessible platform and would encourage anyone diagnosed to join us!”
Four successful cohorts across 2023 and 2024, with participants reporting a range of positive outcomes including improved activity levels and mobility, positive changes in weight, greater confidence in accessing local exercise classes, reduced isolation, and better self-management of symptoms.
One participant said:
“Motivate was fantastic – it provided a safe and enjoyable atmosphere across the 12 weeks and I learned lots around healthy nutrition, behaviours and being more active in any way I can! The instructors were great!”
Another participant shared:
“Being diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis was a real struggle and really hit my confidence to exercise. I used to really enjoy running, and the Motivate programme supported me to believe that I’d be able to start again – and I am really proud to say I completed the Leeds 10K in 2025 and put it down to the programme.”
The programme draws on the best practices of national research like MOTIVATE-RA, highlighting the benefits of tailored physical activity and structured education for people with inflammatory conditions.
To register interest or refer someone, please fill out the following FORMS link (https://forms.office.com/e/VxxRJ8eACn) or email health@leedsrhinosfoundation.org.