Wellbeing Methods

Social Activity Groups

Mostly held in-person, activity groups should be held in-line with Covid-19 social distancing guidance.

Last updated:
November 2, 2021
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Pros

  • Boost wellbeing quickly through socialising and physical activity
  • Provide opportunities for people to meet each other and develop friendships
  • Help people familiarise themselves more with the local area e.g. parks
  • Opportunity to learn a new skill or leisure activity
  • People don’t require technology/digital literacy to participate
  • Can be adapted for online/remote format
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Cons

  • Not able to plan far in advance due to the weather
  • Spaces may need to be limited if group sizes are to be kept small


Suitable for

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    • Organisations with people that live in close proximity, which helps reduce travel time and public transport needs
    • People that feel comfortable attending outside classes or meet-ups in a public space

    Summary

    This wouldn’t be possible without the contributions of The Boaz Trust and Space4U.

    Social activity groups involve holding in-person groups. Groups can be centred around an interactive activity, such as yoga, fitness classes or preparing a meal. Activities can boost wellbeing both in the short term, and also provide people with a new leisure activity to enjoy in the long term.

    Groups provide opportunities for people to meet each other and develop friendships. By keeping groups in the local area, people are able to use the time to explore their surroundings and visit new places and new routes, such as the local park.

    Requirements

    Staff/Volunteer requirements
    • Materials for the activity, such as yoga mats for classes
    • Text message invites and reminders sent in advance
    Participant requirements
    • Directions on how to get to the class / meet up location
    • Instructions on social distancing and safe interaction during the activity
    Staff training
    • Staff member/volunteer trained or have adequate knowledge of the physical activity - eg yoga, walk route, etc
    • Ideally, staff training in working with people with health complications, mental health diagnoses or those who have experienced trauma

    TIPS

    • Keep group sizes small (limit to 5-8 people) to ensure everyone is comfortable participating
    • Allocate time for optional socialising at the beginning and end of the activity
    • Depending on the activity, you may want to consider whether it is suitable for everyone, or best kept as gender/group specific, i.e. women, men, families

    Helpful resources

    NEF 5 Ways to Wellbeing

    Feedback

    “When initially meeting outside, the feedback was that it was really good having somewhere to go, and have a purpose for the day.”

    The Boaz Trust


    “It also helped to reduce social isolation, with some women meeting for the first time at the activity. It was really encouraging to hear of women from 2 different Boaz houses meeting, and then making plans to meet the following days to go for a walk in the local area together.”

    The Boaz Trust

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    “It also helped people familiarise themselves more with their local area as, despite it being in a park local to the Boaz houses involved, a couple of the women did not know that park existed.”

    The Boaz Trust

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