Get Active in St Helens

Being active can look different for everyone. Whether you want to move more, get outdoors, meet new people or try something new, there are lots of ways to get active in St Helens:

• Active Travel - find ways to walk, wheel or cycle more of your everyday journeys, including route planning, maps and practical advice.
• Activities you can do at home - find simple ways to move more at home with 'We Are Undefeatable', designed to support people living with long-term health conditions.
• Allotments and gardening - find opportunities to get outdoors, grow your own produce and be active through gardening.
• Community centre activities - find your local community centre and discover activities, classes and groups taking place near you.
• Cycling - find local cycling groups, routes and safety tips, or try the free Sofa to Saddle 8-week programme from British Cycling.
• Couch to 5k - join our friendly 10-week beginner programme at Sutton Leisure Centre, designed to help you gradually become more active. No running experience is needed.
• Download the NHS Couch to 5K or Active 10 apps - free NHS apps to help you gradually build up your running or add more brisk walking into your day.
• Events - find physical activity events taking place across St Helens, with opportunities to take part or volunteer.
• Every Body Moves - find inclusive and accessible sport and physical activity opportunities near you.
• Exercising with a baby - find NHS advice and ideas for being active with your baby.
• Fit Forever - find friendly physical activity classes for older adults across St Helens, including seated sessions.
• Good Boost - supportive water-based exercise sessions to help you move more, manage joint or muscle pain and improve mobility; instructor-led and self-guided sessions available.
• Healthier Families - find fun ideas and activities to help children and families move more.
• Healthy Movers at Home - free resources from the Youth Sport Trust, with simple ideas to help young children move, play and develop at home.
• Holiday Activities and Food Programme - discover a variety of free holiday activities for eligible school-aged children and young people.
• Home exercises and workouts for older adults - NHS exercises and activities to help you stay active at home, with options for different abilities.
• Leisure centres - find your local Go Active centre, including swimming, gyms, fitness classes and activities - from aqua and line dancing, to pickleball and Pilates.
• Live Well Directory - search for local services, groups and activities to support your health and wellbeing.
• Parks and open spaces - explore parks and green spaces, walking routes, outdoor gyms and facilities across St Helens. 
• Running:
  • Parkruns - free, friendly weekly 5k events where you can walk, jog, run or volunteer. No experience or particular level of fitness is needed. Try St Helens Parkrun, Sutton Manor Parkrun or Victoria Junior Parkrun.
  • Local running groups - find local clubs and groups where you can run with others, from beginners through to more experienced runners.
• Specialist services - St Helens Wellbeing:
  • Lifestyle Referral programme - personalised support for your individual exercise goals, based around your medical conditions, fitness levels and abilities.
  • Weight Management - find information and advice to support healthy, sustainable weight management.
• Sports Clubs - find local sports clubs and activities across St Helens, for a range of ages and abilities. 
• Things to see and do in the borough - whether you're a history fan, a walker or cyclist, or lover of arts and drama you'll find plenty of things to do in and around the borough of St Helens.
• Volunteering - find opportunities with St Helens Wellbeing and Halton and St Helens VCA to give back and help keep yourself mentally and physically well.
• Walking - discover a range of free health walks across the borough. Download local walking routes and guides or try the Parks for Life measured walking routes laid out in Mesnes Park and Taylor Park.
• Youth Clubs and activities for 11-18 year olds - find out what's taking place at the new YMCA St Helens Youth Hub

Every bit of movement counts. Whether it's walking, cycling, gardening, playing with your children or taking part in sport. Find something you enjoy and that works for you.