Reds Connect creates new opportunities for local people in the Central Area to engage, participate and connect. It helps address social isolation and loneliness, allowing participants to engender new relationships and enable local people to get active.

Reds Connect is an all-age approach that offers opportunities for men and women of all ages to engage in several activities designed to facilitate all. Physical activity will be at the heart of all sessions albeit gentle exercise, walking or more energetic circuits and football activity. Reds Connect will help participants to reduce feelings of loneliness and social isolation by improving their physical health. The programme is funded through the Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council Central Area Social Isolation Fund.  All our Reds Connect sessions are Free of charge to participants. 

The aims of Reds Connect are: 

• To reduce social isolation and loneliness among local people  
• To increase the number of local people in the Central Area participating in local activities
• To improve physical and emotional wellbeing 

Walking Football (Open to all Men) 

The Walking Football session gives people the opportunity to rediscover the joys of playing football and the basic elements of a match accessible to them by slowing the game down to a walking pace.

The game is usually delivered in a small-sided format using normal 5-a-side rules with the added rule of ‘no running.’ If you have previously enjoyed playing football or just want to get fit, then these sessions are ideal for you.

The sessions are structured and delivered by qualified instructors who are experienced in delivering these activities. Walking Football is not uniquely for older men. Men of all abilities are welcome. There may be some players recovering from injuries or have a health condition who may find the sessions preferable to regular 5-a-side football.

Our session runs every week at 5ives Community Sports Centre on a Monday 1 pm-2 pm.

Reds Walking Group

Strolling Reds is a free weekly walking programme for adults of any age or gender, with walks commencing from various locations around Central Barnsley.

The aim of the group is to help local people get out of the house and improve general health in a relaxed and supportive environment.

On top of the health benefits, there is a social aspect to the group with opportunities to have a chat and connect with others about anything and everything.

There is no need to sign up online, simply turn up at the meeting point of the walk and join what is a friendly and welcoming group for everyone within the community.

*Please note that all walks are subject to change due to weather conditions.*

Every Friday, the walk begins at 12 pm and includes a rest stop for hot or cold refreshments.

Exercise Class 

Our exercise classes are open to adults of any age and gender. There is no need to worry if you haven’t exercised in a while, our delivery staff are able to tailor activities to support individual goals and fitness levels allowing you to develop at your own pace. 

Our session allows participants to engage in physical activity in a safe and relaxed environment and participants are encouraged to connect and socialise with each other.

Activities include Circuits, Boxercise, Zumba and much more with participants shaping the delivery on a weekly basis.

Sessions are delivered Tuesday evenings 8 pm-9 pm. 

Sporting Memories  

At our Sporting Memories sessions, people aged over 50 come together to talk about and remember all things sports, although we do often speak about our local community and have a natter about anything topical. The sessions provide social and physical activities as well. 

Sessions consist of: 

• Gentle exercise e.g. chair-based movements, basic circuits,  
• Brain stimulation activities e.g. word games, puzzles and strategy games

Reminiscence activities using photos, memorabilia and artefacts to stimulate memories, experiences and stories There is also always time for a brew and biscuits.

Everyone who attends finds fun, friendship and increased wellbeing.

Our sessions run every Wednesday 2 pm – 3:30 pm at the Academy Indoor Centre, Oakwell, Barnsley.

All our activities include the opportunity for participants to open up connect and talk to their peers, build relationships, share experiences, discuss concerns or anxieties, support one another and offer suggestions for self-care and support.  At times throughout the delivery, we will enhance the delivery of the activities with guest speakers and wellbeing activities to support participants further.

For further information on any of our Reds Connect activities or wider health programmes, contact Sean Margison at [email protected]or alternatively call 01226 211333.