We are delighted to share some fantastic news from our Rise Life network—Rise Life Essex, led by franchisee Melvyn Plum, has been shortlisted in the Health and Wellbeing Champion category at the Tendring4Business Awards 2025!
This recognition is a testament to the passion, hard work, and community impact that Melvyn and his dedicated team have brought to the people of Colchester, Tendring, and Chelmsford.
At Rise Life, we believe sport is for everyone. Our franchisees work tirelessly to make physical activity accessible, safe, and enjoyable, and Melvyn’s team in Essex has been a shining example of that vision in action.
Through seated football, hockey, cricket, tennis, and other adapted sports, Rise Life Essex ensures that individuals of all ages and abilities can experience the joy and benefits of regular movement—whether in care homes, community centres, hospices, or hospitals.
The work Melvyn’s team is doing in Essex goes far beyond physical exercise. Their sessions help reduce social isolation, improve emotional wellbeing, and create positive, uplifting spaces where participants feel supported and empowered, gaining new skills and celebrating their achievements.
The impact of these sessions can be seen not just in the smiles on participants’ faces, but also in the growing confidence, friendships, and sense of achievement that are built week after week.
Take a look at A Day in the Life of an Activity Lead to see exactly how transformative these sessions can be.
As a franchisor, it is inspiring to see franchisees like Melvyn Plum champion our mission at such a high level. Alongside running Rise Life Essex, Melvyn also operates a homecare franchise business, Bluebird Colchester, further demonstrating his deep commitment to improving the lives of people in his community.
His work reflects everything Rise Life stands for—inclusivity, compassion, and a genuine belief in the power of sport to improve lives.
We are incredibly proud to see Rise Life Essex shortlisted for this prestigious award. The Tendring4Business Awards celebrate outstanding contributions to the local community, and Melvyn’s team embodies exactly what it means to be a Health and Wellbeing Champion.
Congratulations to Melvyn, the entire team, and everyone who has supported their journey so far.
👉 If you’d like to learn more about Rise Life and our franchise network—or find out how you can bring seated sports to your own community—get in touch with us today. Together, we can make sport accessible to everyone.
