ActivLives community programmes successfully supported 1,883 residents in Suffolk mostly older people with age 60 and above throughout the year. The charity’s exercise and inclusive sport programmes and specialist hubs benefited local residents in improving their physical and mental wellbeing. Through the support of its staff, members, funders, partners and volunteers, the organisation was able to deliver more than 1000 exercise and sport sessions for older people and people with disabilities.
1,005 people also benefited from the charity’s ActivGardens programme gaining new skills, learning environment conservation, beekeeping, woodworking and participating in special activities and events. Twenty six percent of the participants had a physical disability. More than 60 families also had access to freshly picked produce from ActivLives three community gardens at the local Top Up Shop.
A 70-year-old member of BreatheFit, one of the charity’s exercise programme, who has a COPD shared how her health improved after joining the sessions.
“I was very inactive before starting BreatheFit due to health issues. I went along to my first session and thoroughly enjoyed it and since then have lost weight which has helped with my breathing. The whole class is friendly and I have made new friends”, the member said.
Volunteering in the charity remains strong with over 40 volunteers lend their time to help deliver the different programmes across Suffolk including preparing meals and drinks, facilitating inclusive sports sessions and taking care of the community gardens.
In October, ActivLives launched its Building Healthier, Connected Communities fundraising campaign to raise £100,000. This is to help fight isolation, loneliness and lack of physical activities that affect young and older people, disabled adults and vulnerable groups in Suffolk.
“Unfortunately, at the moment it is really tough for charities big and small. We are being hit on all sides with cost of living, National Insurance and reducing local, regional and national funding… We are seeking 1000 people to donate £100 or what they can afford, to support ActivLives,” CEO Julie Stokes said.
ActivLives will be celebrating its 20th year of delivering high impact programmes and services across Suffolk in 2026. To find out more about the charity’s projects and initiatives and how to donate, you may visit its website www.activlives.org.uk or call on 01473 345350.
