Banbury resident Frances King has transformed her physical health, mental wellbeing, and daily life thanks to local council health initiatives.
Published: Monday, 16th February 2026
67 year old Frances was referred to Cherwell District Council’s Move Together programme in 2023 to support her with being more active following a worsening of her osteoporosis.
To enable Frances with being more active and mobile, Move Together linked up with the council’s E-bike scheme in September 2024 – something that made a profound impact on her life.
“I didn’t want to give it back,” Frances said with a laugh. “It’s fantastic. I was always sceptical about E-bikes. I thought it was cheating but I found that if I always put it on the lowest setting I really used my muscles. I can feel my body has done something, and it’s just sheer joy.”
The introduction of an E-bike into her daily routine has meant that Frances was able to move more and to get outside and explore the district and beyond. “I enjoyed a 33-mile ride through Oxfordshire, Northamptonshire and Warwickshire. I even cycled up steep hills including Edgehill. I would never have done those on a regular bike.”
After joining Move Together, Frances took up walking and online exercises, but the addition of an E-bike offered her a new level of engagement. “It’s not just about impact, it’s about strengthening the muscles around the bones,” she explained. “And I noticed I’m standing better, my posture’s improved, and I feel stronger.”
Councillor Rob Pattenden, Portfolio Holder for Healthy and Safe Communities, said: “Move Together is a fantastic scheme that has a proven track record of supporting residents to develop and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Nearly 70 per cent of participants who were completely inactive at the start of their Move Together journey sustained increased physical activity for at least nine months after joining.
“Frances’s story is a powerful example to how wellbeing and active travel initiatives can change lives, not just through improved health, but through rediscovered joy, independence, and connection with the world around us.”
Frances even found herself improving her carbon footprint, using the E-bike to replace car journeys to shops and childminding visits. “I did my Christmas shopping on it, picked up bread from the local shop, and just kept going,” she said. “It’s the freedom to explore, to stop and take in the view, to talk to a farmer - it’s something you don’t get in a car.”
Her advice to others? “Definitely try it. Start on a quiet road and see how it feels.” The experience has been so positive that Frances is even considering purchasing her own E-bike, “It’s a big investment, but the benefits are huge.”
Move Together is open to eligible Oxfordshire residents and supports them in increasing their activity levels through telephone support and fitness sessions.
To sign up to Move Together and access all the benefits, visit the Move Together website, www.cherwell.gov.uk/MoveTogether or call 01295 221575 and speak to a member of the Cherwell Move Together team.
About Move Together
Move Together is a county-wide physical activity pathway funded by Oxfordshire County Council Public Health, the Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West Integrated Care Board (BOB), and local councils. It supports adults with long-term health conditions, mental health challenges, or those at risk of falls or chronic pain. Participants are referred or self-refer into the programme, where they receive tailored support from district coordinators. This includes:
- Physical activity advice
- Behavioural support
- Signposting to a menu of options (home-based, digital, community, or specialist activities)
The programme aims to improve health, wellbeing, and independence through increased physical activity.
- Over 2,000 residents supported annually across Oxfordshire.
- Participants report significant improvements in:
- Ability to undertake daily activities: 35%
- Pain levels: 33%
- Depression and anxiety: 32%
The Cherwell District Council E-bike scheme provides community groups with the opportunity to borrow an E-bike free of charge for a period of 12 or 24 weeks. The initiative aims to promote physical activity, support mental wellbeing, and encourage greater use of active travel.
Since the schemes launch in September 2023, the fleet has expanded from 10 to 25 E-bikes and to date, has supported over 60 residents, who have collectively travelled more than 8,000 miles. Participants have reported not only physical health benefits, but also improvements in mood, confidence, and overall mental wellbeing.