When people think of their local leisure centre, they often picture gyms, swimming pools or fitness classes. While these are all important parts of physical wellbeing, leisure centres can also be vital social spaces that support community connection and social wellness. At Everyone Active, our centres are more than just places to exercise. They are hubs where people of all ages and backgrounds can come together through a wide range of group activities, improving not only physical health but also emotional and social wellbeing.
Understanding Social Wellness
Social wellness is one of the core pillars of overall wellbeing. It refers to our ability to build and maintain healthy relationships, communicate effectively, and feel a sense of belonging and connection. Strong social networks can improve mental health, boost self-esteem and even contribute to a longer, healthier life.
In today’s busy and often isolating world, many people struggle to maintain regular social contact. This is where group activities at leisure centres can make a real difference. They provide accessible, friendly and inclusive opportunities for people to meet others, form new friendships and reconnect with their local community.
What Do We Mean by Group Activities?
At Everyone Active, group activities include a broad spectrum of experiences that go beyond fitness classes. These could include:
- Recreational team sports such as five-a-side football, badminton or netball
- Social swimming sessions
- Inclusive sports and activities
- Walking sports such as football and netball
- Coffee mornings and community meet-ups
- Youth clubs and after-school activities
- Parent and toddler sessions
- Arts and crafts clubs or games groups in community spaces
These activities may not always be about working up a sweat. Many are designed to provide social connection, skill-building or simply a welcoming space to share time with others.
The Power of Shared Experience
One of the key reasons group activities are so effective for social wellness is the shared experience they offer. Whether you are working together as a team in a game of volleyball, supporting each other in a community project, or chatting poolside after a swim, these shared moments foster a sense of unity.
Being part of a group with a common interest gives people a reason to come together. It encourages communication, teamwork and understanding. For many, it provides a routine and structure that supports regular social contact and ongoing friendships.
Benefits for Different Age Groups
Everyone Active’s group activities are inclusive of all ages and abilities. Each age group gains different social benefits through participation.
Children and Young People
Youth activities at Everyone Active give children and teens the chance to build friendships outside school, learn teamwork and develop communication skills. Whether they are taking part in a junior football league or joining a weekend activity club, these social interactions are crucial for their emotional development and resilience.
Adults
For adults, group activities can offer a valuable break from work and home life. Joining a sports league, attending a swim session or taking part in a hobby group can provide much-needed social time, stress relief and laughter. These experiences are often a source of confidence and fulfilment, especially for those who may otherwise feel isolated.
Older Adults
Loneliness can be a serious issue for older adults. Group activities such as walking football, social swims or daytime meet-ups provide a safe and friendly way to stay connected. They allow people to keep active, stay mentally engaged and feel part of a supportive community.
Supporting Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing
Engaging in regular group activities has a profound impact on mental health. Social contact can reduce feelings of anxiety, depression and loneliness. Conversations, laughter and a sense of inclusion help lift the mood and provide emotional comfort.
Moreover, being involved in a group encourages individuals to show up and be present. This commitment can provide a sense of purpose, identity and responsibility, all of which are beneficial to emotional wellness. It is also a chance to focus on the present moment, engage in positive experiences and take a break from daily stresses.
Inclusive and Accessible for All
Everyone Active is committed to making group activities as inclusive as possible. Our centres cater to a wide range of needs and we offer tailored sessions for older adults, people with disabilities, carers and families. This inclusive approach ensures that everyone can benefit from social wellness opportunities, regardless of background or ability.
Many of our centres also work with local authorities and community organisations to provide specialised programmes, from dementia-friendly swimming sessions to inclusive sports initiatives that bring people together through shared experience.
Building Community and Belonging
Group activities at Everyone Active centres also contribute to wider community building. These spaces become familiar meeting points where people of all ages come together. They help foster understanding across generations, cultures and lifestyles.
As relationships grow, members often become invested in their centres, volunteering at events or helping to run clubs. This involvement can lead to an even greater sense of belonging and connection. For people who are new to an area or returning to fitness after a long break, these groups can serve as an invaluable way to integrate and feel at home.
Getting Involved Is Easy
If you are interested in improving your social wellbeing, joining a group activity is a great place to start. You do not need to be an athlete or a fitness enthusiast. All you need is a willingness to get involved.
Here are a few tips to get started:
- Speak to your local Everyone Active centre team about current group activities
- Visit our website or app for timetables and availability
- Try something new and be open to meeting different people
- Bring a friend along for added confidence
- Don’t worry about performance – it is about enjoyment and connection
Whether you attend once a week or multiple times, the important thing is that you feel welcome and enjoy yourself.
Social wellness is a vital part of our overall wellbeing, and it is something we can all work on. At Everyone Active, we believe that group activities play a significant role in supporting and strengthening our social health.
By providing inclusive, varied and enjoyable opportunities to connect, we help people of all ages experience the many benefits of community, friendship and shared experience. Whether you are looking to meet new people, support your mental health, or simply try something different, our group activities offer a friendly, supportive environment to help you thrive.
Visit your local Everyone Active centre today and discover how easy it is to feel more connected, more included and more socially well.