Health and wellbeing
New physical activity programme launches to support older residents in Walsall
Published on
Walsall residents aged 50 and over are being encouraged to take advantage of a new programme of free physical activity sessions designed to help them stay stronger, steadier and more independent for longer.
The Health in Later Life Physical Activity and Prevention Programme has launched its first cohort with seven community providers now delivering 11 programmes across Walsall's four localities (north, south, east and west).
The programme supports Walsall residents aged 50 and over who would like to stay strong, steady and independent for longer. Through free community-based activity sessions, participants can improve their strength, balance, mobility and wellbeing, helping to reduce their risk of future falls.
The first cohort includes activities such as chair-based exercise, healthy lifestyle programmes, dance-based activity sessions, strength and balance training, community wellbeing programmes and interactive exergaming. Sessions will be delivered by trained professionals through local voluntary and community organisations in venues across the borough.
The seven providers delivering programmes as part of the first cohort are The Getting Fit Company, Purposeful Active Living (PAL), Manor Farm Community Association, Bloxwich Community Partnership, MettaMinds CIC, GameFit and Nash Dom CIC.
“ Being physically active is one of the best ways to maintain strength, balance and independence. We're delighted to be working with the voluntary and community sector to offer these free opportunities for residents across Walsall.
This programme will help residents build confidence, improve their wellbeing and make valuable social connections, all within welcoming community settings close to where they live. “
The programme forms part of wider work with Walsall Together, helping residents to stay healthier and independent for longer by supporting people to access services and activities within their communities.
“ Physical health is a vital part of helping people stay independent and well, and this programme is a strong example of how neighbourhood health can make a real difference. By working together across organisations and delivering support within local communities, we're helping residents access preventative activities closer to home and supporting them to live healthier, more independent lives for longer. “
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 by clicking the drop-down below.
List of activity providers
The Getting Fit Company
Chair-based exercise programme
11 Sept to 27 Nov 2026
Fridays, 10am to 11.30am
Manor Farm Centre, Rushall, WS4 1EU
Sign-up information:
Residents can sign up using the Wellbeing+ Active Start self-referral form.
Professionals can refer residents to the service using the Wellbeing+ Active Start professional referral form.
Contact: info@thegettingfitcompany.co.uk or call 07305 632 020
Purposeful Active Living (PAL)
Healthy Lives Programme
2 Sept to 25 Nov 2026
Wednesdays, 10.30am to 12 noon
Anchor Meadow Health Centre, Aldridge, WS9 8AJ
Sign up using PAL's Healthy Lives Programme - Registration (Cohort 1 - Portland Surgery) or by emailing or calling the centre.
Contact: info@palcharity.org.uk or call 07979 707967
Manor Farm Community Association
Community wellbeing programme
12 Aug to 4th Nov 2026
Wednesdays, 12pm to 1.30pm
Manor Farm Community Association, Rushall, WS4 1EU
Contact: info@manorfarmca.com or call 01922 614316
The Getting Fit Company
Chair-based exercise programme
10 Sept to 26 Nov 2026
Thursdays, 3pm to 4.30pm
The Local Hub, Bloxwich, WS3 2NA
Sign-up information:
Residents can sign up using the Wellbeing+ Active Start self-referral form.
Professionals can refer residents to the service using the Wellbeing+ Active Start professional referral form.
Contact: info@thegettingfitcompany.co.uk or call 07305 632 020
Purposeful Active Living (PAL)
Healthy Lives Programme
11 Aug to 27 Oct 2026
Tuesdays, 10.30am to 12 noon
All Saints Church Hall, Darlaston, WS10 8BB
Sign up using PAL's Healthy Lives Programme - Registration - Cohort 1 - All Saints Church, (opens in new tab) or email or call the centre.
Contact: info@palcharity.org.uk or call 07979 707967
Bloxwich Community Partnership
Dance-based activity sessions
15 Jul to 14 Oct 2026
Wednesdays, 10.30am to 12 noon
Stan Ball Centre, Bloxwich, WS3 3AZ
Contact: stanball@bloxwichcp.co.uk or call 01922 403351
Mettaminds CIC
Balance, Strength & Flow sessions
24 Sept to 10 Nov 2026
Wednesdays, 1pm to 2.15pm
Seedhouse Room, Walsall Arboretum Visitor Centre, Arboretum Rd, Walsall WS1 2QH
Contact: love@mettaminds.co.uk or call 07882253187
GameFit
Strength and balance exercises with interactive exergaming
Week commencing 5th Oct 2026
Walsall Gamefit, Osborne House, Charles Street, WS2 9LZ
Contact: hello@walsallgamefit.co.uk (opens in new tab) or call 01922 926260
Nash Dom CIC
Move, Connect, Thrive
14 Sep to 11 Jan 2026
Mondays, 5.30pm to 6.30pm
Nash Dom Community Hub, Sun Street, Walsall, WS1 4AL
Sign up: Free 16-Week Wellbeing Programme for Walsall Residents Aged 50+.
Contact: info@nashdomcic.org or call 01922 616444
The Getting Fit Company
Chair-based exercise programme
7 Sept to 23 Nov 2026
Mondays, 10am to 11.30am
Bentley Community Centre, WS2 0JN
Future cohorts:
Jan to Mar 2027
Apr to Jun 2027
Sign up information:
Residents can sign up using the Wellbeing+ Active Start self-referral form.
Professionals can refer residents to the service using the Wellbeing+ Active Start professional referral form.
Contact: info@thegettingfitcompany.co.uk or call 07305 632 020
Purposeful Active Living
Healthy Lives Programme
7 Sept to 25 Nov 2026
Mondays, 1pm to 2.30pm
Holy Trinity Church, Willenhall, WV12 5QB
Sign up using the PAL's Healthy Lives Programme - Registration Cohort 1 - Holy Trinity Church or contact the centre.
Contact: info@palcharity.org.uk or email 07979 707967.
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
