Sahil Project
Sahil Project have operated in Foleshill for 39 years. Originally staffed by volunteers to serve the local South Asian community, they now offer a range of support services and have branched out through satellite centres to record over 3,500–4,000 individual footprints each year across Warwickshire. They are fully inclusive, supporting clients from all backgrounds irrespective of their faith or cultural background.
Recognising the positive impact being physically active could bring to their clients, they successfully applied to the Sport England Movement Fund, which has enabled them to introduce a regular schedule of seated exercise classes throughout the week in several venues.
Dr Kolli, General Manager at Sahil and a former clinician now working within the community, wrote and submitted the Movement Fund bid under the guidance of CEO Rani Saund, who brings more than four decades of experience in public health and the voluntary sector. He recognised the challenges some people face in terms of their physical and mental health.
The local exercise classes provide people with a reason to leave their homes, go outside and socialise. Dr Kolli found the application process straightforward, albeit Sport England did make contact to clarify some points.
“At Sahil, we see every day how culture, language and isolation can prevent people from accessing even the most basic forms of support,” said Dr Kolli.
“These sessions are not just about movement — they are about belonging. They offer a safe space where people from different communities come together, feel heard, and rediscover the confidence to live well. That’s the real impact of this project.”
Sahil is fully inclusive, welcoming everyone to their sessions irrespective of their faith or cultural background. Most clients are aged 55+ and enjoy doing yoga, stretching and chair-based sessions, with additional trips to local landmarks such as Coombe Abbey to enjoy the positive benefits of exercising in green space.
