Rise delivers a range of adapted, seated sports activities in health, social care and community settings in Southampton, Winchester and the surrounding areas, including care and nursing homes as well as assisted living facilities.

Chandlers Ford resident Laura Harvey-Smith launched the business last year. 

(Image: Max Rottier) READ MORE: Ten year anniversary celebrations for community swimming pool saved from demolition

Speaking about her new venture, which is part of a national franchise brand, Laura said: "Rise sessions are all about fun and focus on keeping people mobile whilst encouraging social interaction and mental stimulation.

"Activities are tailored to people’s physical ability or cognitive capacity so they are really inclusive.

"Our sessions are universally popular. People love engaging in a new version of a sport, such as hockey, that they perhaps enjoyed in their younger years.

"No matter people’s age, they can get quite competitive and sessions are full of light-hearted banter and laughter. It’s wonderful to bring such joy to people’s lives.”

(Image: Rise Winchester and Southampton) Up until taking on the Winchester and Southampton franchise territory of Rise, Laura worked for the company’s national office where she worked with its founders on the company’s launch and supported 16 individuals to join the business.

Her role enabled her to see all aspects of the business from helping to develop the training delivered to franchisees to how the business model would run.

Laura has also seen franchisees who have joined the network enjoying success and a good work-life balance.

She loved the business so much, she bought it, purchasing the territory in June and launching in October.

Rise was the brainchild of Rob Oyston who developed the idea for the movement-based programme following a stay in hospital. He successfully launched his programme in the care home sector where the vibrancy of classes and inclusivity of the adapted sports activities won over the hearts and minds of residents and care home owners alike – now Rise operates all over the UK.

Sessions in the next two weeks will take place in St Catherine's Hill, Eastleigh, Otterbourne and Bishopstoke.