> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.ipswich.co.uk/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# Ipswich charity's inclusive sports and garden projects transform local lives
- URL: https://www.ipswich.co.uk/ipswich-charitys-inclusive-sports-and-garden-projects-transform-local-lives/
- Published: 2024-10-30T07:47:35.000Z
- Updated: 2026-03-16T15:31:42.000Z
- Description: From singing groups to inclusive sports tournaments, ActivLives is helping thousands of Suffolk residents improve their physical and mental wellbeing through community-based activities.
- Author: Oliver Rouane-Williams
- Tags: News, Events & Things To Do, #article, ActivLives, #Import 2026-03-16 14:46

**The big picture:** The Ipswich-based charity has supported 1,921 Suffolk residents over the past year through inclusive sports sessions, exercise activities, support hubs and gardening programmes.

**By the numbers:**

- 1,209 women and 712 men participated in activities
- About 60 volunteers helped deliver programmes
- Three community gardens operating across Suffolk

**Why it matters:** The programmes are designed to support older people and individuals with mental health needs and physical and learning disabilities across local communities.

![ActivLives falls prevention exercise St Mary at Stoke Church Hall, Ipswich](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/1e/291e4b7f-e551-4458-b546-61963954b22f/content/images/2026/03/1730206365-activlives-falls-prevention-exercise-st-mary-at-stoke-jpeg-1.jpg)

ActivLives falls prevention exercise St Mary at Stoke Church Hall, Ipswich (ActivLives)

**Key details:** Activities run by the organisation include:

- Falls prevention exercises
- Breakfast and lunch clubs
- Singing groups
- Health walks at Christchurch Park
- Inclusive boccia and badminton tournaments
- Community gardening projects at People's Community Garden and Chantry Walled Garden in Ipswich, and Belle Vue Park in Sudbury

**What they're saying:** "The sessions have definitely helped with my mobility; my body feels much looser. I feel more positive, and its good speaking to people in similar situations," said a 76-year-old participant in the charity's Better Balance falls prevention exercise programme.

Speaking about ActivLives' inclusive sports tournament, a volunteer said, “It is good for players’ mental and physical health and well-being – the exercise and the connection, the physical and mental activity, with other people.”

**Between the lines:** The charity works in partnership with Special Olympics Suffolk and Boccia England to ensure sports activities are inclusive and accessible to all participants.

**Go deeper:** Since 2006, ActivLives has worked with NHS, Public Health Suffolk, local authorities and voluntary services to deliver wellbeing programmes across the region.

**How to get involved:** Residents can find information about programmes and services at [activlives.org.uk](https://www.activlives.org.uk/?ref=ipswich.co.uk).

### Independent local journalism is expensive to produce

It's free for you to read thanks to the generous support of our partners.