How can we feel safer, stronger and more connected in everyday life?
For people across Huddersfield, Kirklees and West Yorkshire, support and fitness can begin with one small step. That step might be joining a class, asking for help, meeting new people or simply finding a positive routine.
At New Direction Services CIC, we believe everyone should have access to welcoming activities, practical support and a community where they feel respected. Our work includes help for vulnerable people, domestic violence support, activities for families and opportunities for people of all ages to become more active.
Here are six ways our community activities can support strength, confidence and wellbeing.
1. Staying safe for vulnerable people
Feeling safe is the foundation for taking part.
For vulnerable adults, children, survivors of domestic abuse and anyone living with anxiety or health concerns, joining a new activity can feel like a big decision. You may want to know who will be there, what the session involves and whether you can take a break if needed.
These questions are important. You should always feel able to ask them.
A safe and supportive activity should:
- Explain clearly what will happen during the session.
- Respect personal boundaries and individual choices.
- Welcome questions about access and support needs.
- Allow people to work at their own pace.
- Make it clear who to speak to if something feels wrong.
- Support people to take breaks or leave when necessary.
Our women’s activities include self-defence and kickboxing sessions that can help develop confidence, awareness and physical strength. Self-defence is not about living in fear. It is about feeling more prepared and empowered to make safer choices.
Good safety also includes planning your journey. Let someone you trust know where you are going, keep your phone charged and consider what will help you feel comfortable before and after a session.
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 999. For confidential domestic violence support in England, contact the National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247.
You can also read our guide, Looking for Domestic Violence Support in 2026? Here Are 10 Things You Should Know.
2. Booking classes through the app
Once you have found an activity that feels right, booking should be straightforward.
Our community access sessions are booked through the booking app. Please remember that all classes must be booked at least 24 hours in advance.
This notice helps us:
- Prepare the venue and equipment.
- Manage numbers safely.
- Make sure instructors are ready to support everyone.
- Give participants a fair chance to access available spaces.
A simple booking routine can help you plan:
- Open the booking app and check the timetable.
- Choose a class that suits your interests and current fitness level.
- Book at least 24 hours before the session.
- Save the confirmation on your phone.
- Check the location, travel arrangements and start time.
- Contact the team if you have questions or support needs.
Please do not arrive without a confirmed booking. Some sessions have limited spaces, and booking ahead helps create a calm and organised environment for everyone.
You can also explore our adult activities to learn more about current opportunities for fitness, dance and martial arts.
Booking in advance is not about pressure. It is about making a clear plan and giving yourself a positive reason to become more active.
3. Finding support after domestic violence
Leaving an abusive situation is a significant achievement, but recovery can continue long afterwards.
People may experience stress, low confidence, isolation, tiredness or difficulty trusting others. These feelings are understandable. Recovery is not a straight line, and everyone’s experience is different.
Post-domestic-violence help and support may include:
- Speaking with a specialist support worker.
- Building a personal safety plan.
- Finding emotional or practical support.
- Reconnecting with trusted people.
- Developing confidence and independence.
- Taking part in safe, structured activities.
Community activities can be one part of a wider support network. A gentle fitness class, dance session or self-defence workshop may provide routine, connection and a sense of progress. However, activity is not a replacement for specialist domestic abuse support, counselling, medical care or emergency services.
At New Direction Services CIC, we aim to offer respectful and welcoming activities for people who are ready to take part. You do not need to talk about your experiences. You do not need to be highly fit. You can begin with one conversation and one manageable step.
Abuse is never your fault. Asking for help is not a weakness. It is an act of strength.
4. Mental health and activity
Mental health and activity are closely connected.
Movement cannot solve every problem, but it can support our wellbeing in simple and practical ways. A short walk, gentle stretching, dance, martial arts or a social activity can help create structure in the week.
Our mental health activities and community sessions can help people:
- Reduce feelings of isolation.
- Build confidence gradually.
- Create a regular routine.
- Focus on a positive goal.
- Meet other local people.
- Develop new skills and friendships.
The most useful activity is often the one you feel able to repeat. You do not need to complete a hard workout. Ten minutes of movement counts. Attending one session counts. Taking a break when you need it also counts.
If you have been feeling low, anxious or overwhelmed, speak with your GP or a qualified mental health professional. Activity can support your wellbeing, but it should not replace professional care.
For more ideas, read Boost Your Mental Health with Physical Activity: The Science Behind the Connection.
5. Fitness for people over 40
It is never too late to become more active.
For many people over 40, fitness is less about competition and more about everyday strength, mobility, balance and confidence. You may want more energy for work, caring responsibilities, walking, shopping or spending time with family.
You may also be returning to exercise after a long break. You might have an old injury, a health condition or a busy routine. These are all reasons to begin carefully, not reasons to give up.
Suitable activities may include:
- Walking and gentle cardio.
- Dance-based fitness.
- Stretching and mobility work.
- Low-impact strength exercises.
- Beginner martial arts.
- Beginner kickboxing.
- Balance and coordination activities.
Start at a comfortable level. Take breaks. Choose adapted movements when needed. Focus on progress rather than comparing yourself with anyone else.
If you have a health concern or injury, speak with your GP or a qualified health professional before starting a new activity. Tell the instructor about any needs before the session so they can offer suitable support.
Our adult activities are designed to help people build fitness, confidence and crucial skills in a friendly setting.
6. Pay-weekly community club access
Regular activity is easier to maintain when it fits your life and your budget.
Our pay-weekly community club access offers a flexible way to take part without committing to a long-term membership. This may suit people who are returning to exercise, managing a changing routine or trying a new activity for the first time.
Pay-weekly access can help you:
- Plan around work and family life.
- Manage costs in smaller amounts.
- Try different community activities.
- Build a routine gradually.
- Meet people in your local area.
- Stay connected with Huddersfield and Kirklees.
A community club is about more than fitness. It can offer friendship, structure, encouragement and a place to develop new skills.
Please contact the team for the latest information about available sessions, prices and payment arrangements. Current activities and availability may change.
We also provide support services for families, including active opportunities for children and young people. Our holiday clubs include dance, music, martial arts and fitness activities. HAF Holiday Clubs may also offer funded places for eligible children and families when programmes are open.
Take one positive step this week
Support and fitness are connected.
For one person, the next step may be asking for domestic violence support. For another, it may be booking a class, taking a short walk or returning to an activity after time away. For someone over 40, it may be trying a gentle session. For a family, it may be finding positive holiday activities together.
There is no single right way to start getting more active.
Choose something safe and realistic. Ask questions. Tell the instructor what you need. Give yourself time to build strength, resilience and confidence.
If you are ready to explore your options, visit our services page, view our adult activities or book through the app.
Remember: all classes must be booked at least 24 hours in advance.
New Direction Services CIC is here to support people across Huddersfield, Kirklees and West Yorkshire. Together, we can create safer, healthier and more connected communities, one activity and one positive step at a time.