Nestled in the heart of Park Ward, Halifax, the Women’s Activity Centre (WAC) is a female-only day care service dedicated to supporting the physical and mental well-being of South Asian women aged 50 and above. Many of these women face social isolation and deprivation due to cultural sensitivities, and the Centre has become a vital lifeline for them. By providing a safe, structured environment, WAC helps these women stay active, engaged, and connected to their community.
Where It All Began
The creation of the Women’s Activity Centre exercise sessions was a direct response to a community need identified through engagement in the Park Ward area, in collaboration with Active Calderdale. It became clear that there was a gap in physical activity opportunities for women, particularly those who, for cultural reasons, required female-only spaces.
WAC initially operated as a day care service based on referrals, offering structured care for older women, many referred through social services. However, recognising the growing demand for physical activity among local women, the Centre decided to expand its services. New exercise sessions were added to the timetable, welcoming women from the wider community. This decision not only supported more women in staying active but also helped to showcase the Centre and strengthen its connection with the local community.
The sessions were offered on a ‘pay as you feel’ basis, making them accessible to women from low-income households, and allowing more women to benefit from the activities without financial barriers.
A Collaborative Approach
One of the keys to the success of the Women’s Activity Centre has been its strong partnerships with other local organisations. WAC has teamed up with groups such as Disability Partnership Calderdale, local NHS physiotherapists, Adult Health and Social Care, and the Unique Community Hub.
These collaborations have strengthened the Centre's ability to deliver a holistic, inclusive approach to supporting women’s well-being.
The Centre has also worked closely with local shops and facilities, further embedding itself in the community. This collaborative approach has allowed WAC to offer a more diverse range of services, while also learning from other organisations and finding new ways to be inclusive and supportive.
The Impact
The impact of the Women’s Activity Centre has been profound.
Between 75 and 95 women have been attending the Centre each month, with the majority being South Asian women over the age of 50.
These sessions have had a transformative effect on participants’ physical and mental well-being.
As Marie Mitchell from the Women’s Activity Centre explains:
“It has improved the physical and mental well-being of the participants. All participants have said that they feel more physically able, as well as improved mental well-being.”
The project has also had a positive effect on relationships within the community.
“It has strengthened existing relations, and built on others. It has given us a better insight into what other organisations are doing and how we can work together to be inclusive for the whole of the community, through signposting and communication.”
Although the funding from Active Calderdale has now come to an end, the Centre has continued to run these valuable sessions, recognising their importance to the community. By offering a space where women can not only exercise but also connect and support one another, WAC is making a lasting difference in the lives of its participants.
The Women’s Activity Centre stands as a beacon of support for South Asian women in Halifax, offering them a safe, inclusive space where they can stay active, improve their well-being, and feel part of a connected community.
