Community-led health project in Wolverhampton doubles participation

Providing regular and engaging activities for older adults attending weekly Bible study meetings at a Wolverhampton church has proven successful – with numbers doubling.

Purposeful Active Living (PAL), which delivers physical activity classes across the Midlands, developed the initiative in response to a request from a church group leader, who highlighted the need for physical activities for his members.

In sessions facilitated by Active Black Country and delivered by PAL at Gloucester Street Church of God of Prophecy in Whitmore Reans, Wolverhampton, the activities were designed for church members predominantly from Black ethnic backgrounds. As they face multiple barriers to being active, including health conditions and a lack of access to suitable opportunities, these sessions were created to remove those barriers and give them access to a healthier lifestyle.

Group members wanted exercise as part of their time together but attempts to do so using online videos were unsuccessful. PAL worked with the church leader to incorporate strength and balance sessions for older adults into their weekly meeting, using a Postural Stability Instructor.

Among key objectives were: to improve physical health and mobility; help them feel more confident in moving safely and lowering the risk of falls; reduce isolation and support mental wellbeing; and build community cohesion.

Key outcomes and impacts

• Attendances double - only eight participants joined initial sessions. But word spread in the church community and after encouragement from the group leader numbers doubled. The social and cultural elements of the sessions helped increase motivation and participation.
• Physical benefits - the strength and balance exercises helped improve mobility, posture and coordination. Many participants stated how they felt stronger and more confident in their movements, with some noticing improvements in everyday activities like walking, getting up from chairs, and maintaining balance.
• Increased falls prevention awareness - participants were educated about balance, posture and safe movement as the instructor was PSI-trained. This helped raise awareness of falls prevention in a practical way.

Key learnings

Integrating into a weekly group - delivering the strength and balance sessions during the group’s regular Thursday meeting was a success. Participants were already attending for Bible study, so the effort with our audience of older adults to come out on another day for the exercise was not necessary. This helped reduce barriers, increase attendance, and make movement an enjoyable weekly routine.

Sharing insights

• Safe environments - a welcoming environment was created by using an instructor who shares the same cultural background as group members.
• Keeping it familiar - holding the sessions at the church, straight after Bible study, helped participants feel relaxed and more willing to take part.
• Music matters - the choice of Caribbean music encouraged people to join in, making the sessions feel fun, familiar and culturally relevant.
• Comfort creates connection - when people feel safe and at ease, they’re more open to socialising, which helps build friendships and strengthen community bonds.
• Accessibility is key - with mixed abilities in the group, exercises were adapted so everyone could take part safely and confidently.
• Trusted word of mouth works - as the group enjoyed the sessions, they naturally encouraged others. The church community became the ‘messengers’, and with support from the group leader, numbers doubled over time.

Embedding physical activity classes for older adults in a familiar and valued community space, such as this Wolverhampton church, along with the trusted influence and encouragement of the church group leader, amplified both the individual and collective impact this programme has had for its participants. When people feel culturally seen and emotionally safe, participation becomes more meaningful, confidence and excitement to participate builds naturally, and the benefits ripple outward, transforming isolated engagement into shared community wellbeing.