What is ActivLives?
ActivLives is a local independent charity working in Ipswich and across Suffolk to keep people active, connected and involved with their local community through accessible sports and exercise, learning new skills and volunteering opportunities.
ActivLives Latest News
Click on a post below to find out more
‘Boccia is back’ with ActivLives
You know that things are gradually getting back to how they were before Covid-19, when the boccia balls come out once again! ActivLives have recently re-started their regular boccia sessions, with Avenues East, in Ipswich and Stowmarket. The sessions have been adapted...
Visit the ActivLives plant nursery this Spring
Enjoy a Spring outing to ActivLives plant nursery in Chantry Park, Ipswich, on Tuesdays and Thursdays 10am to 2pm. Our dedicated team of staff and volunteers will be on hand to guide you safely round this community-run heritage site and help you pick something special...
National Gardening Week at the People’s Community Garden
Last week was National Gardening Week and the team down at the People's Community Garden were very busy (as they always are!), they had great fun planting tomato plants and celebrating the enjoyment, fun and relaxation that working in the gardens can bring. The team...
Our Services & Projects
ActivHubs
ActivHubs was set up to provide a fun and social way for people to keep fit and healthy, improve strength, balance and co-ordination, and while doing all of that, make some new friends in the process!
ActivGardens
ActivGardens are all about growing! Growing plants. Growing fresh healthy food. Growing yourself… your fitness, your health, your skills, your friends, your community. Get active with ActivGardens!
ActivSports
ActivLives and Ipswich Borough Council, are motivating and inspiring people 45 years and over to increase their physical activity, eat more healthily and become more involved with the community.
ActivSingers
The Keep On Rockin’ members have achieved a sustainable singing group through weekly member support, fundraising and regular performances of classic songs for everyone to enjoy!
We’ve put together this video to show you what we do, and how we can help you.
Whether it’s improving your balance at one of our hubs, learning about horticulture at one of our gardens, finding your voice in our Keep On Rockin’ singing group, or simply meeting new friends at one of our lunch clubs.
We’re not just a fitness organisation – we’re a community – and we’re here, for you.
Donate to ActivLives HERE
ActivLives is a local charity, which relies on grants, trusts, donations, fundraising activities, sponsorship & commissions to enable us to provide & develop our services across Ipswich & Suffolk.
“Meeting new friends and socialising with them and being able to help some of the others with their activities while enjoying this myself.”
“Lovely to do some proper exercise again and I feel so much looser!”
“Thoroughly enjoyable session which was very beneficial.”
Upcoming Activities
Click on an event below to find out more details
Activ Lawn Bowls
Tuesday 10.00-11.20 and second session between 11.30-12.50
Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre
Twelve Acre Approach, Kesgrave, IP5 1JF
Starts 11 May
Last Session on 3 August (excluding 1June)
This is an outdoor session played on the lovely green in Kesgrave (with thanks to Kesgrave Community Centre and Kesgrave Bowls Club). We are not a club but we are a group of people who really enjoy a friendly, not very serious, game of bowls. This is an informal session that is non-competitive. Some players bring their own bowls/woods but many use those that we have, so don’t worry if you don’t have your own. The session is led by one of our experienced Facilitators.
This is a very friendly, easy going session. Sadly, we won’t be using the pavilion due to the Covid-19 restrictions (the toilets will be available for use)
We will be running two groups, 10am – 11:20am and 11:30am – 12:50pm, so that we are able to comply with social/physical distancing guidelines.
£4.00 per session – pay on the day.
Local bus route and off-road parking available.
We welcome new players – Please note though, that due to the current Covid-19 measures, this session is not currently available on a ‘drop-in’ basis. All new participants should first contact mike@activlives.org.uk or call 07531 236442. We would love to hear from you!
Activ Lawn Bowls
Tuesday 11.30-12.50 (There’s also an earlier session between 10am – 1120am)
Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre
Twelve Acre Approach, Kesgrave, IP5 1JF
Starts 11 May
Last Session on 3 August (excluding 1June)
This is an outdoor session played on the lovely green in Kesgrave (with thanks to Kesgrave Community Centre and Kesgrave Bowls Club). We are not a club but we are a group of people who really enjoy a friendly, not very serious, game of bowls. This is an informal session that is non-competitive. Some players bring their own bowls/woods but many use those that we have, so don’t worry if you don’t have your own. The session is led by one of our experienced Facilitators.
This is a very friendly, easy going session. Sadly, we won’t be using the pavilion due to the Covid-19 restrictions (the toilets will be available for use)
We will be running two groups, 10am – 11:20am and 11:30am – 12:50pm, so that we are able to comply with social/physical distancing guidelines.
£4.00 per session – pay on the day.
Local bus route and off-road parking available.
We welcome new players – Please note though, that due to the current Covid-19 measures, this session is not currently available on a ‘drop-in’ basis. All new participants should first contact mike@activlives.org.uk or call 07531 236442. We would love to hear from you!
- Wednesday 3.45 – 4.45pm and 5.00pm – 6.00pm
- Starts 14 April, scheduled end 30 June
Badminton is a very inclusive sport. This session is aimed particularly at adult participants who have an intellectual (learning) disability (Minimum age 16).
If you would like to get involved with the great game of badminton, then this group could be for you. It’s the fastest racket sport in the world but don’t worry, we usually take a bit of time when we play! We start each session with a group warm up, just to help loosen up and to prepare us for the session. Then we have a go at some skills practices, we also try to improve our tactical awareness – really important in badminton! We follow this with plenty of games – doubles and singles.
All of the equipment is provided, so don’t worry if you don’t have your own racket. The session is led by a Badminton England Licensed Coach, with the support of some great volunteers.
The session is delivered in partnership with Special Olympics Suffolk. Participants, who are eligible, can access Special Olympics competitions at regional and national level, through regular participation with this group.
£4.00 per session.
Local bus route and off-road parking available.
Please note that due to the current Covid-19 measures, this session is not currently available on a ‘drop-in’ basis. All new participants should first contact mike@activlives.org.uk or call 07531 236442.
Schedule
- Wednesday 3.45 – 4.45pm and 5.00pm – 6.00pm
- Starts 14 April, scheduled end 30 June
Badminton is a very inclusive sport. This session is aimed particularly at adult participants who have an intellectual (learning) disability (Minimum age 16).
If you would like to get involved with the great game of badminton, then this group could be for you. It’s the fastest racket sport in the world but don’t worry, we usually take a bit of time when we play! We start each session with a group warm up, just to help loosen up and to prepare us for the session. Then we have a go at some skills practices, we also try to improve our tactical awareness – really important in badminton! We follow this with plenty of games – doubles and singles.
All of the equipment is provided, so don’t worry if you don’t have your own racket. The session is led by a Badminton England Licensed Coach, with the support of some great volunteers.
The session is delivered in partnership with Special Olympics Suffolk. Participants, who are eligible, can access Special Olympics competitions at regional and national level, through regular participation with this group.
£4.00 per session.
Local bus route and off-road parking available.
Please note that due to the current Covid-19 measures, this session is not currently available on a ‘drop-in’ basis. All new participants should first contact mike@activlives.org.uk or call 07531 236442.
Please note the first 2 classes take place at the Kingfisher Pub, 301 Hawthorn Dr, Chantry, Ipswich IP2 0QG
What are the benefits of Balance Classes?
These sessions are ideal if you would like to:
- Stay steady on your feet
- Improve your balance, strength and mobility
- Reduce your risk of falling
- Improve confidence
- Stay independent
- Get out and meet others in a sociable environment
Schedule
- Returning Monday 17th May
- 9.30am – 10.30am & 11.00am – 12 noon
To book your place please call us on 01473 345350.
Please note the first 2 classes take place at the Kingfisher Pub, 301 Hawthorn Dr, Chantry, Ipswich IP2 0QG
What are the benefits of Balance Classes?
These sessions are ideal if you would like to:
- Stay steady on your feet
- Improve your balance, strength and mobility
- Reduce your risk of falling
- Improve confidence
- Stay independent
- Get out and meet others in a sociable environment
Schedule
- Returning Monday 17th May
- 9.30am – 10.30am & 11.00am – 12 noon
To book your place please call us on 01473 345350.
Why not join us for a lovely walk at Christchurch Park, Ipswich.
The ActivLives Health walks take place every other Monday from Monday 17th May (excluding Monday 31st due to Bank Holiday) between 11am – 12 noon.
We meet at the Soane Street entrance, down from the Mansion and near the park benches. You will meet lots of new people and walking is a good way to improve your health and fitness. Please wear suitable shoes.
For more information call Julie on 07810 801316.
Please note there is no walk on Monday 31st May due to the Bank Holiday.
What are the benefits of Balance Classes?
These sessions are ideal if you would like to:
- Stay steady on your feet
- Improve your balance, strength and mobility
- Reduce your risk of falling
- Improve confidence
- Stay independent
- Get out and meet others in a sociable environment
Schedule
- Returning Tuesday 18th May 2021
- 9.30am – 10.30am & 11.00am – 12 noon
To book your place please call us on 01473 345350.
Click on an category below to see a list of all related upcoming activities:
Download our Up-to-date Activities Programme
We have put together a list of all our activities and events for your convenience. Download it to your computer, or print it out by pressing the button below.