I’ve received National Lottery funding to help grow community health programmes
A South Shields-based community interest company (CIC) has received a funding boost from the National Lottery.
Strong at Heart CIC has received funding from The National Lottery Community Fund to enable it to grow its work and provide additional support to families across the North East.
Founded by Lauren Bagley, the owner of South Shields-based Evolve Fitness, Strong at Heart CIC provides fully funded/low cost exercise classes for mums of children who are suffering from heart conditions.
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Through the CIC, Lauren has already been working with the Freeman Hospital and the Children’s Heart Unit Fund to provide free fitness sessions for parents staying at Scott House to help with their mental and physical wellbeing.
When speaking about receiving the funding, Lauren said: “It is a true honour to be selected for this funding.
“We are incredibly grateful to The National Lottery Community Fund and to National Lottery players for making this support possible.
“We cannot wait to begin supporting even more families on their journey to better health and wellbeing.”
Strong at Heart CIC will be using the National Lottery funding for the following:
- Free and subsidised exercise programmes for families, children, and adults.
- Free CPR, first aid and CHD awareness training days.
- Home-based personal training support for those who are unable to attend a gym.
- Exercise equipment vouchers to support around 15 parents/carers with essential home exercise equipment.
- Community gym membership incentives offering up to three months of free membership.
- Quarterly wellbeing events hosted across the UK to support families affected by heart conditions.
Lauren has also revealed that while she currently operates a women-only gym, there are plans to potentially introduce male-only or mixed classes over the course of 2026 to further expand access to inclusive fitness opportunities.
You can find out more about Evolve Fitness and Strong at Heart CIC by visiting: https://www.facebook.com/p/Evolve-Fitness-South-Shields-61555991027658/, https://www.instagram.com/evolve_fitness_south_shields and https://www.evolvefitnesssouthshields.com/.
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