You belong here. Whether you are looking for a safe place to build confidence, gentle support after a difficult experience, or a friendly way to become more active, there is a place for you in our community.
At New Direction Services CIC, we support people across Huddersfield, Kirklees and West Yorkshire through activity, connection and practical help. You do not need to be the fittest person in the room. You do not need to have everything worked out. You simply need to take one small step.
This edition of our community guide begins with staying safe. From there, we will look at booking classes, finding post-domestic-abuse support, caring for your mental health, staying active over 40 and accessing our community club on a pay-weekly basis.
1. Staying safe for vulnerable people
Feeling safe is the foundation for everything else. It is difficult to enjoy a class, meet new people or build confidence when you are worried about your surroundings or unsure who to trust.
Our activities are designed to be welcoming, supportive and community focused. We understand that vulnerable people may need extra reassurance before joining a session. You might be returning to activity after a period of isolation. You might be living with anxiety. You might be rebuilding your confidence after domestic abuse or another difficult experience.
That is why it is important to choose activities where:
- You can ask questions before attending.
- You know what to expect from the session.
- You can tell the team about any support needs.
- You are encouraged to work at your own pace.
- Respect and inclusion are part of the environment.
Safety also includes learning practical skills. Our women’s activities include self-defence and kickboxing sessions designed to build confidence, strength and awareness in a supportive setting.
Self-defence is not about living in fear. It is about feeling more prepared, more aware and more in control of your choices. For some people, learning a simple stance or practising how to create space can be an important step towards empowerment.
If you are in immediate danger, call 999. If you are affected by domestic abuse and need advice, the National Domestic Abuse Helpline can be contacted on 0808 2000 247. You can also read our guide to domestic violence support in 2026 for further information.
2. Booking classes through the app: remember the 24-hour notice
Once you have found a class that feels right, booking should be simple.
Our classes can be booked through the app. Please remember to book at least 24 hours in advance. This gives the team enough time to prepare the session, manage numbers and make sure the experience is safe and enjoyable for everyone.
Booking ahead also helps you create a small commitment to yourself. You can check your diary, plan your travel and arrive with less stress.
A simple booking routine can help:
- Open the app and view the available class times.
- Choose an activity that matches your interests and ability.
- Book at least 24 hours before the session.
- Add the time to your calendar or phone reminder.
- Contact the team if you have questions before attending.
You may be interested in our adult activities, including fitness-based sessions that support confidence, coordination and physical wellbeing.
If you are booking for a child or young person, our holiday clubs offer active opportunities through dance, music, martial arts and fitness. Places can be limited, so early booking is helpful.
3. Finding help and support after domestic abuse
Leaving an abusive situation is a major achievement, but the journey does not end there.
After domestic abuse, people may experience anxiety, low confidence, tiredness, isolation or difficulty trusting others. These feelings can continue even when the immediate danger has passed. Recovery takes time, patience and the right support.
Post-DV help can include:
- Emotional support and someone safe to talk to.
- Help with rebuilding confidence.
- Advice about practical next steps.
- Support with reconnecting to the community.
- Gentle physical activity.
- Opportunities to learn new skills.
- A safe space to meet people without pressure.
At New Direction Services CIC, activity is one part of a wider recovery journey. A self-defence workshop, dance session or fitness class cannot replace specialist domestic-abuse support. However, it can help someone regain a sense of strength and routine alongside appropriate professional services.
Our services include activities that encourage confidence, creativity, movement and connection. We aim to meet people where they are. You do not have to be ready for an intense workout. You do not have to talk about your experiences. You can begin with a quiet welcome, a gentle session and one positive experience at a time.
Remember: 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 physical activity are closely connected. Movement cannot solve every problem, but it can support our wellbeing in practical ways.
A regular activity can give structure to the week. It can help us leave the house, meet people and focus on something positive. Even a short session may provide a break from difficult thoughts.
Different activities support different needs. You might prefer:
- A lively dance or music session.
- A practical martial arts class.
- Gentle stretching or movement.
- A social coffee morning.
- A community event where you can meet others.
- A guided activity that helps you focus.
There is no single correct way to become more active. The most useful activity is often the one you feel comfortable returning to.
If you are struggling with your mental health, consider speaking to your GP or a qualified support service. If you feel at immediate risk, seek urgent help. You can also read our article, 7 mistakes you may be making with your mental health and how to fix them, for practical ideas about building healthier habits.
Community activity can also help us feel less alone. Our article, Can local community activities really help you heal?, explores why shared activities can support connection and recovery.
5. Fitness for people over 40
It is never too late to become more active.
For people over 40, fitness may be about more than changing appearance. It may be about improving balance, building strength, supporting mobility and feeling more confident in everyday life.
You may also have work, caring responsibilities, old injuries or health concerns to consider. A supportive class should recognise that. You should be able to adapt movements, take breaks and build your fitness gradually.
Activities such as dance, light martial arts, stretching and low-impact exercise can be enjoyable ways to stay active. They may also help you meet people and develop new skills.
The goal is not to compete with anyone else. The goal is to find a level of movement that feels safe, useful and sustainable for you.
Our community activities welcome people at different stages of their fitness journey. If you are unsure whether a session is suitable, contact the team before booking. It is always better to ask questions and choose the right starting point.
6. Pay-weekly community club access
Long-term fitness plans can sometimes feel difficult to manage. A pay-weekly approach can offer more flexibility.
Our pay-weekly community club access is designed for people who want to take part without committing to a long membership period. It can be useful if your routine changes, your budget needs careful planning or you want to try activities before making a bigger decision.
Weekly access can help you:
- Plan around work and family life.
- Keep costs easier to manage.
- Try different community activities.
- Build a regular routine at your own pace.
- Stay connected to local people.
Check the latest availability and payment details before attending, as sessions and arrangements may change. If you need help choosing an activity, our team can guide you towards an option that fits your goals and circumstances.
You have a place in our community
Support and fitness are not only about exercise. They are about confidence, safety, connection and hope.
For vulnerable people in Huddersfield, joining an activity may be a significant step. For someone recovering after domestic abuse, it may be part of rebuilding trust. For someone managing their mental health, it may provide a reason to get out of the house. For someone over 40, it may be the start of a healthier and more connected routine.
You do not need to change everything at once. Start with one question. Book one class. Attend one session. Speak to one member of the team.
At New Direction Services CIC, we want people across Huddersfield, Kirklees and West Yorkshire to feel welcome, supported and able to move forward.
Explore our services and activities and take the next step when you feel ready.