A new seated sports business has launched in Winchester, with plans to already expand. 

Chandler's Ford resident and franchising expert Laura Harvey-Smith has started Rise in the city, as well as in Southampton.

Rise offers a variety of adapted, seated sports activities in community settings, care homes, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities.

These activities aim to entertain while also keeping participants mobile and socially engaged.

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Laura Harvey-Smith is already looking to expand the business (Image: Max Rottier) Ms Harvey-Smith, who has been involved with Rise since its inception at the company's national office, said: "Rise sessions are all about fun and focus on keeping people mobile whilst encouraging social interaction and mental stimulation."

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

Ms Harvey-Smith's love for the business and its model saw her purchase the Winchester and Southampton franchise in June.

Her experience with the company's launch and supporting 16 individuals to join the business, gave her a comprehensive understanding of Rise's operations.

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She has seen the success and work-life balance that franchisees enjoy and was so impressed that she decided to take the leap into business ownership.

The demand for Rise's activities has been so high that Ms Harvey-Smith is already expanding.

She has appointed an activity leader to help deliver the sessions and expects to hire another before Christmas.

She said: "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."

The seated sports activities are designed to be inclusive, catering to all levels of physical ability and cognitive capacity, ensuring that everyone can participate and benefit from the sessions.

They not only improve physical mobility but also provide mental stimulation and a chance for social interaction.

As the business continues to grow, Ms Harvey-Smith is committed to maintaining this ethos and ensuring that Rise remains a source of joy and engagement for its participants.

If you are interested in learning more about the activity sessions offered by Rise in the local area, you can contact Laura on 07949 165504 or email laura.harvey-smith@rise.life.