Health and wellbeing
Walsall residents encouraged to join Health in Later Life programme to support with healthy ageing
Published on
Walsall residents aged 50 and over across Walsall are being encouraged to take part in the next two cohorts of the Health in Later Life Physical Activity Programme, helping people be active, independent and connected within their local communities.
Commissioned by Walsall Council Public Health, the programme supports residents through a range of free activities designed to improve strength, balance, confidence and overall wellbeing. Delivered by the voluntary and community sector, the programme forms part of Walsall's wider Healthy Ageing campaign, which aims to help residents live well for longer and maintain their independence as they age.
The latest programme cohorts build on the success of activities delivered during late summer and early autumn 2026, with each programme typically engaging between eight and 14 participants. Activities have included chair-based exercise, walking groups, strength and balance sessions, wellbeing programmes and other opportunities designed to support physical and mental wellbeing whilst reducing social isolation.
“ Healthy ageing is about supporting people to be active, connected and independent for as long as possible. It's encouraging to see residents taking part in the Health in Later Life programme and benefiting not only from the physical activity on offer, but also the opportunity to meet new people and build connections within their communities. I would encourage anyone interested to explore the activities available and find a programme that works for them. “
A range of programmes is available across the borough over the coming months, including chair-based exercise, healthy lifestyle support, community wellbeing programmes, Walk Fit and Chi Kung sessions, and strength and balance activities. The programmes will be delivered by The Getting Fit Company, Purposeful Active Living (PAL), Manor Farm Community Association, Bloxwich Community Partnership, MettaMinds CIC, GameFit and Nash Dom CIC, providing a diverse range of activities for older residents across Walsall.
Participants are encouraged to attend their chosen programme throughout the full programme period to gain the maximum benefits. In addition to physical activity, sessions provide opportunities for social interaction.
Residents can self-refer to the programmes, while health and care professionals can also refer eligible residents. Full details of available sessions and referral routes are available through participating providers.
Participating providers
Wellbeing+ Active Start Programme - chair-based exercise sessions designed to help participants improve strength, mobility, confidence and independence.
Cohort 2
- East Walsall: Manor Farm Community Centre, Rushall (WS4 1EU), Fridays, 10am to 11.30am, 8 January to 26 March 2027
- North Walsall: The Local Hub, Bloxwich (WS3 2NA), Thursdays, 3pm to 4.30pm, 7 January to 25 March 2027
- West Walsall: Bentley Community Centre, Wilkes Avenue (WS2 0JN), Mondays, 10am to 11.30am, 4 January to 22 March 2027
Cohort 3
- East Walsall: Manor Farm Community Centre, Rushall (WS4 1EU), Fridays, 10am to 11.30am, 9 April to 25 June 2027
- North Walsall: The Local Hub, Bloxwich (WS3 2NA), Thursdays, 3pm to 4.30pm, 8 April to 24 June 2027
- West Walsall: Bentley Community Centre, Wilkes Avenue (WS2 0JN), Mondays, 10am to 11.30am, 5 April to 21 June 2027
Contact: info@thegettingfitcompany.co.uk | 07305 632020.
Residents can sign up use the Wellbeing+ Active Start self-referral form (opens in new tab)
Professionals can refer residents to the service using the Wellbeing+ Active Start professional referral form (opens in new tab).
Healthy Lives Programme supporting participants to improve physical health, wellbeing, confidence and social connections.
Please visit the relevant locality in the cohorts below to register your interest.
Cohort 2
- East Walsall: Aldridge Community Centre, Tuesdays, 11am to 12pm, 15 September to 1 December 2026.
- North Walsall: Bloxwich Community Library, Tuesdays, 10.30am to 12pm, 3 November 2026 to 9 February 2027
- West Walsall: Holy Trinity Church, Willenhall, Mondays, 1pm to 2.30pm, 4 January to 22 March 2027
Cohort 3
- East Walsall: Aldridge Community Centre, Wednesdays, 10.30am to 12pm, 6 January to 24 March 2027
- North Walsall: Bloxwich Community Library, Tuesdays, 10.30am to 12pm, 16 February to 4 May 2027
- West Walsall: Holy Trinity Church, Willenhall, Mondays, 1pm to 2.30pm, 10 May to 2 August 2027
Contact: info@palcharity.org.uk | 07979 707967.
Community Wellbeing Programme helping residents stay active, connected and engaged within their local community.
Cohort 2
- Manor Farm Community Association, Rushall (WS4 1EU)
- Mondays, 5pm to 6.30pm
- 7 September to 30 November 2026
Cohort 3
- Manor Farm Community Association, Rushall (WS4 1EU)
- Mondays, 12pm to 1.30pm
- 11 January to 5 March 2027
Contact: info@manorfarmca.com | 01922 614316.
Cohort 2
Walk Fit Sessions
- Stan Ball Centre, Bloxwich (WS3 3AZ)
- Thursdays, 11am to 12pm
- 10 September to 26 November 2026
Cohort 3
Chi Kung Sessions
- Stan Ball Centre, Bloxwich (WS3 3AZ)
- Mondays, 2pm to 3pm
- 11 January to 29 March 2027
Contact: admin@bloxwichcp.co.uk | 01922 403351.
Balance, Strength & Flow sessions designed to improve balance, mobility, strength and confidence.
Cohort 2
- Seedhouse Room, Walsall Arboretum Visitor Centre (WS1 2QH)
- Thursdays, 1pm to 2pm
- 7 January to 25 March 2027
Cohort 3
- Dates and times to be confirmed.
Contact: love@mettaminds.co.uk | 07882 253187.
Residents should contact GameFit for details of sessions in cohorts two and three.
Contact: hello@walsallgamefit.co.uk | 01922 926260.
Move • Connect • Thrive, supporting residents to stay active, improve wellbeing and build social connections.
Residents should contact Nash Dom CIC for details of sessions in cohorts two and three.
Contact: info@nashdomcic.org | 01922 616444.
Information on eligibility, attendance and locality leads
Eligibility for the programme includes:
- Walsall residents aged 50+.
- Individuals who have not experienced a fall within the last 12 months and do not have specific risk factors such as gait or balance impairment.
The activities provided are designed to be completed throughout the twelve-week programme rather than one-off sessions. Attendance throughout the programme is recommended for maximum benefit. Participants should check with their providers about any expected breaks before attending a session.
Delivery of the programme is through the VCS Locality Leads:
- South Locality – Nash Dom CIC: vcsleadsouth@nashdomcic.org
- North Locality – Bloxwich Community Partnership: vcsleadnorth@bloxwichcp.co.uk
- West Locality – Old Hall People’s Partnership: vcsleadwest@ohpp.org.uk
- East Locality – Manor Farm Community Association: vcsleadeast@manorfarmca.com
Preventing Falls: A guide to staying steady provides practical advice and local support to help you to stay active, independent and well, while reducing risk of falls and frailty.
