Being healthy and active
Physical activity support
Community Plus helps people across Kirklees become more active, improve their wellbeing and connect with others through local physical opportunities.
Whether you're looking for a friendly walking group, a chair-based activity session, or other ways to get active in your community, we can help you find activities that suit your interests, abilities and goals.
We work closely with local organisations and partners, including the Kirklees Wellness Service , to connect people with a wide range of health and wellbeing opportunities across the district.
We also support volunteers, community groups and organisations to establish new physical activity and strengthen existing provision, helping local groups grow and thrive.
Volunteer training and support
We offer free training for volunteers who would like to lead social walks or deliver Movement and Games in Chairs (MAGIC) sessions with their communities.
Training is delivered twice a year in both North and South Kirklees, with bespoke sessions available for larger groups and organisations.
As a volunteer you'll receive ongoing support from the Community Plus team, including:
- Regular check-ins and guidance
- Help to promote your group or activity
- Information about funding and community grant opportunities
- Connections to local networks and peer support opportunities
- Advice on developing and sustaining your activity group
Social walks
Walking is one of the easiest ways to stay active, improve wellbeing and connect with people in your community.
Walking is one of the easiest ways to stay active, improve wellbeing and connect with people in your community.
Walking offers many physical and mental health benefits. Spending time outdoors and in nature can help improve wellbeing, boost mood, reduce stress and anxiety, and support a healthier lifestyle.
With a variety of routes and walking groups available across Kirklees, there are opportunities for different abilities, interests and fitness levels.
Our free walk leader training provides the skills and confidence needed to lead safe, welcoming and enjoyable walks. You'll learn how to plan suitable routes, support participants of different abilities and help people build social connections through walking.
Community Connectors work closely with walk leaders and groups across Kirklees to help them connect with one another. By bringing groups together, sharing ideas and encouraging collaboration, we help develop informal support networks where volunteers can learn from each other's experiences, exchange good practice and strengthen community connections.
View upcoming walks and events on Our events.
Movement and Games in Chairs sessions
MAGIC stands for Movement and Games in Chairs.
MAGIC sessions are designed for people with long-term health conditions, reduced mobility, or anyone who may find traditional exercise challenging. The sessions provide a fun and inclusive way to stay active while enjoying social interaction in a supportive environment.
Sessions take place across Kirklees in community venues including libraries, community centres, churches and fire stations, and are led by trained volunteers.
Benefits of MAGIC
- Improving strength, flexibility and mobility.
- Supporting physical and mental wellbeing.
- Building confidence and independence.
- Meeting new people and reducing social isolation.
- Having fun in a friendly and welcoming setting.
MAGIC volunteer training
We provide free MAGIC training for volunteers who would like to run sessions in their local community.
The training covers:
- A range of movement and chair-based activities
- Games and session ideas
- Basic health and safety awareness
- Tips for creating safe, inclusive and enjoyable sessions
Following the training, the Community Plus will support volunteers and groups to develop their own MAGIC sessions.
Community Connectors provide ongoing support to MAGIC groups and help bring volunteers and sessions together across Kirklees. This encourages peer support, the sharing of ideas and resources and the development of informal networks that help groups grow, learn from one another and remain sustainable.
Upcoming training sessions
We have a range of training opportunities coming up to help build skills, confidence and community capacity across Kirklees.
| Venue | Day | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Dewsbury Town Hall | 18 September 2026 | 10:00 - 13:30 |
| Huddersfield Town Hall | 15 September 2026 | 10:00 - 13:30 |
Book a place for MAGIC training
Fill in our simple online form.
Clock Completing this form takes around 5 minutes
Book MAGIC training| Venue | Day | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Dewsbury Town Hall | 23 September 2026 | 10:00 - 13:30 |
| Huddersfield Town Hall | 16 September 2026 | 10:00 - 13:30 |
Book a place for walk leader training
Fill in our simple online form.
Clock Completing this form takes around 5 minutes
Book walk leader trainingBespoke training for groups and organisations
To support the development of community capacity, we also offer bespoke MAGIC and walk leader training sessions for community groups, organisations and volunteers.
Whether you are looking to introduce a new activity, train a group of volunteers, or develop an existing programme, our team can work with you to create a tailored training package that meets your needs.
Get in touch
If you'd like to join an activity, become a volunteer or start a new group in your community, we'd love to hear from you.
- Email community.plus@kirklees.gov.uk
- Phone 01484 225 224
Together, we can help create healthier, more active and connected communities across Kirklees.
