Recovering from a cardiac event, heart surgery, or stroke can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate it alone.

Second Half is Nottingham Forest Foundation’s dedicated Phase 4 cardiac rehabilitation programme. Designed specifically for individuals who have completed initial hospital-based rehab (Phases 1–3) or are managing long-term cardiovascular conditions, Second Half provides a safe, welcoming, and community-driven environment to help you stay active, regain physical strength, and protect your heart for the future.

Delivered at Harvey Hadden Sports Village, each weekly 12-week intervention combines tailored exercise sessions with practical lifestyle guidance – giving you the tools to take control of your long-term wellbeing without any financial barriers.

The programmes is part of the the Premier League and PFA Players’ Project, a flagship initiative funded by the Premier League and Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA). It brings current and former professional footballers together with Football Club Charities (FCC) like Nottingham Forest Foundation to tackle major social and health issues.

• Safe, Expert Exercise: Group sessions tailored to your individual capabilities, delivered by certified British Association for Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation (BACPR) specialists.

• Holistic Support: Guidance on key lifestyle factors including nutrition, stress management, smoking cessation, and overall physical activity.

• Peer Connection: Train alongside others with similar lived experiences in a supportive, social environment that rebuilds mental wellbeing alongside physical health.

• Ongoing Pathways: Upon completing your 12-week block, we connect you into our wider community health networks – such as our Resilient Reds Hubs and Healthy Goals drop-in sessions – to ensure sustained activity.

• Second Half is open to adults aged 30 and over living in Nottingham City who are:

  • Recovering from a cardiac event (e.g., heart attack, heart surgery, stent placement, or stroke).

  • Living with chronic cardiovascular disease (CVD) or identified as high risk by a medical professional.

  • Looking for structured, low-to-moderate intensity exercise supervised by medical exercise specialists.

Launch Date: 7th October 2026

Location: Harvey Hadden Sports Village, Wigman Rd, Bilborough, Nottingham NG8 4PB

Timing: Wednesdays, 10:00am – 12:00pm

Cost: FREE (Referral Only via NHS / GP Pathways)

Note for Patients: Second Half is a specialist referral-only programme. You cannot drop in without a completed medical referral from a clinical professional.

1. 1. Speak to Your Healthcare Provider: Ask your GP, cardiologist, stroke nurse, or rehab specialist about being referred to the Nottingham Forest Foundation Second Half programme.

   2. Medical Assessment: Your doctor will confirm whether Phase 4 community exercise is safe for you and complete our referral form.

   3. Onboarding: Once received, our Health & Wellbeing team will contact you to discuss session times, complete your initial assessment, and welcome you to your first session.

We accept referrals directly from Nottingham City GPs, practice nurses, secondary care cardiac rehab teams, and NHS health check partners.

• Step 1: Download the official [Second Half Referral Form (PDF / BoldSign Form Link)].

• Step 2: Complete the patient clinical history and risk stratifications.

• Step 3: Email the completed form securely to: colin.eley@nottinghamforest.co.uk

If you do not have a clinical referral or are looking for open-access physical activity sessions to boost your heart health, explore our drop-in community hubs:

• Resilient Reds Hubs: Community-based health hubs offering low-impact activities like walking groups and chair-based exercise across Nottinghamshire.

• Healthy Goals: Free physical activity and lifestyle sessions open to everyone looking to build healthier daily habits.

Former Nottingham Forest defender Julian Bennett serves as the official ambassador for the Second Half programme, championing the initiative through the Premier League and Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) Player’s Project.

Drawing on his passion for community wellbeing and his lived experience as a professional athlete, Julian actively supports the Foundation’s health campaigns to raise awareness around cardiovascular risk factors, reduce health inequalities, and inspire local residents across Nottingham City to embrace active, heart-healthy lifestyles following a cardiac recovery.