Get more active, meet people and explore new activities in 2025 with North Northamptonshire Council’s Active Buddy scheme
23 January 2025
Would you like to make 2025 the year that you become more active, meet new friends and explore new activities, but are unsure how to make this happen?
It could also be that it is a while since you have spent time with people or engaged in hobbies or activity of any kind.
Did you know that it is scientifically proven that taking part in activities can:
- boost your self-confidence and improve communication skill
- combat feelings of loneliness and isolation
- improve physical health
- reduce stress, boost your mood and increase your happiness
North Northamptonshire Council’s Leisure team has looked into this and launched the Activity Buddy Scheme which has been created to help break down barriers for adults who may be experiencing challenges which prevent them from taking part in sport or wellbeing activities.
Our Activity Buddy scheme, funded by North Northamptonshire Council Public Health for three years, can help if you're an adult experiencing mental wellbeing, motivational or physical challenges that stop you from participating in sport or active wellbeing sessions.
After joining the scheme, you will be matched with a like-minded buddy in an activity of your choice, supporting you to be more active and providing a friendly, safe and fun atmosphere to build your confidence. Activities include walking, golf, swimming, the gym, studio-based exercise class, gardening, community-based activities, arts and crafts.
How it works:
- The Activity Buddy Coordinator will match like-minded “Buddies” in an activity of their choice
- Buddies can help people develop confidence to access activities they may not have tried before
The benefits are:
- Improved mood: Exercise can improve mood, especially for people who are not very active
- Sense of belonging: Buddies can help people feel part of a community
- Personal support: Buddies can help people develop skills and overcome challenges
- Professional development: Buddies can help people explore professional development and work-based issues
It is free to register on the scheme. Activities are paid for as per session admission charges.
The Active Buddy scheme is a fantastic way of connecting with people and at the same time improving mental, physical and general wellbeing. Supportive and inclusive environments help you connect with others who share similar interests and passions and help expand your social network. They will match you with like-minded buddies in an activity of your choice - supporting you to be more active and providing a friendly, safe and fun atmosphere to build your confidence.Gill Mercer, Executive Member for Adults, Health and Wellbeing
If you’re looking to get more active, whether that be by trying something new, or simply enjoying a favourite hobby, and would like the companionship of an activity buddy, then register with the Activity Buddy Scheme which aims to connect like-minded buddies across North Northamptonshire. Whether it’s sports, gardening, arts and crafts, or fitness classes, having an activity buddy can make all the difference.
The scheme has over 50 Activity Buddy’s so far, with several Buddy’s choosing well-being activities such as gardening, walking, swimming as well as art and craft activities.Jason Smithers, Leader of North Northamptonshire Council
Some members have now been empowered and have been happy to contact prospective new members by phone to explain the scheme. Social Prescriber teams across North Northamptonshire have also engaged well with the scheme and are sending across referrals. The scheme is making such a difference to people and I would urge you to join.
Joining the scheme is very easy - just go online to register and find out all the details or text / WhatsApp 'BUDDY' to 07483 130234.
If you don’t have a computer at home then you can visit one of our libraries across North Northamptonshire to use one of their computers.
You will be asked your age group, gender, ethnicity, if you have a disability or health condition and a few questions about your general outlook and feelings about your life at the moment. Just write what you are comfortable with, as much or as little as you prefer.
If you are happy with this information to be shared, a member of the team will match you with a buddy.
You will then be asked about your current hobbies or interests. If you do not have any then do not worry. You will then be asked what you are looking to achieve but very few words is enough.
Then you will be asked where are you willing to travel to or within to take part in your activity in Corby, East Northamptonshire, Kettering and Wellingborough.