Movement and socialising don’t have to mean costly gym memberships and expensive lunches! To kick the winter blues and get you out and about, we’ve put together Midlands Meet & Move – a roundup of free and low-cost activities across the Midlands to look after your wellbeing. Meet new people, build connections and keep fit – all without a gym membership in sight!
Be Active for free in Birmingham
Birmingham residents get free swim and gym sessions at local leisure centres across the city with the Be Active scheme. If you live in a property that pays council tax to Birmingham City Council, you’re classed as a Birmingham resident. Find out all you need to know about the Be Active scheme, including if you’re eligible, here.
Did you know: You can use your Tenancy Agreement as a valid form of ID to sign up for the Be Active scheme.
Fun ways to exercise – and meet friends!
If running isn’t your thing, walking is one of the best ways to fit some cardio into your day, get some fresh air and enjoy nature.
Test your football skills without all the running around with walking football at West Bromwich Albion Academy Dome. Sessions are free and take place on Wednesdays, 8-9pm. All the details you need to attend a session are here.
Age UK Sandwell’s Coffee Mates groups are a great way to meet others and take part in a lot of different wellbeing-focused activities, including chair-based strength exercise programs. You can find the activities’ timetable and more information about Coffee Mates here.
Step into Solihull offers a gentle activity programme in Solihull, aimed at age 45+, with a walking programme and lots of gentle, low-cost exercise sessions, including Tai Chi, chair-based yoga, walking netball and indoor bowls. You can find all the information needed to join these sessions here.
Connect with nature in your local park
Parks are a haven for enjoying nature and social activities.
Balaam’s Wood in Frankley offers a host of free and fun nature-focused activities, with weekly and monthly sessions including Tai Chi, woodland workouts (hands-on conservation work), Nordic walking (poles are provided), social cafes, and more. You can find out more here.
You can also find lots of different free and low-cost activities in local parks around Birmingham. From bike-fixing cafes to social runs, community cafes, yoga and so much more, find an activity you enjoy here.
Get involved in nature-based activities across Coventry and Warwickshire with Warwickshire Wildlife Trust. From social walks to nature clubs for the kids and adult crafts sessions, you can find out what’s on here.
Community hubs that are more than just a cuppa
Looking for community hubs that offer real connection? We’ve got you covered.
The BSN Community Hub in Handsworth offers a safe, warm space every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10am until 2pm to enjoy unlimited free hot drinks while socialising. You can join in general debates and discussions, play board games, and enjoy jigsaw puzzles. Find out more here.
Drop by the Keystone Centre pop-up cafe every Thursday morning from 10:30 am - 12:30 PM for free hot drinks and biscuits, and a chance to meet other local people aged 55+ in a friendly setting. You can get more information here.
If you’re out and about keeping fit and making friends at any of the spots mentioned above, don’t forget to share and tag us on Facebook and use #midsmeetandmove!
Find out more about the support available to help you live better in our LiveWell hub.
