The New Year is a time when people are reflecting on the year gone by and maybe wanting to try something new, tackle some resolutions or commit to a healthier lifestyle.
Worcestershire County Council have a wide range of services available to help you thrive in 2025! See our offering below and try something new today:
Your health
Our Public Health services are always on hand to support you to be the healthiest you can be.
This New Year we are encouraging people to look after themselves by quitting smoking, getting moving with a free resistance band and staying connected and healthy with our friendly and welcome health improvement programme, Healthy Worcestershire!
Healthy Worcestershire
Healthy Worcestershire is a free programme designed to improve your health and wellbeing. Join a weekly session to get more active and healthier whilst having fun meeting new people in your neighbourhood. Astrid, who regularly attends sessions described it as “a game changer”.
There are currently 17 Healthy Worcestershire venues, with more to come in 2025.
More information visit Healthy Worcestershire.
Resistance Bands
As little as 10 minutes twice per week of resistance band exercises can slow down age-related functional decline and make a huge difference to how you feel.
Without regular exercise people over 50 lose around 1% muscle mass per year.
By regularly using resistance bands it is possible to build or maintain muscle strength in order to stay active and well.
Anyone over 50 can pick up a free resistance band and exercise guide at any library across Worcestershire.
“The bands have helped me gain strength and flexibility, my mental wellbeing has also improved as I am more independent”
“The strength I had built with the resistance band helped me to get up off the floor when I had a fall.”
More information visit Resistance bands exercises.
Stop smoking support
You are more likely to quit with support, and now there is no reason to quit alone.
Quitting smoking is one of the best decisions you can make for your health. The benefits start almost immediately, and it's never too late to stop.
Everyone's journey to quit smoking is unique, so we offer personalised support, free vapes, a customised action plan, and assistance with any challenges you might encounter.
If you are pregnant or live with a child under three years old, you can get even more support to stop smoking.
To find out more go to our Stop Smoking pages or call 0800 772 0307 or 01905 928 185.
Wythall & Hollywood Fun Run
Wythall and Hollywood Fun Run is coming back on Sunday 22 June 2025.
Secure your spot at 2024 prices for a limited time only. Book early to enjoy a discount and set your fitness goal for the new year.
Get a flavour of this year’s event and book at wythallhollywoodfunrun.org.uk
Your wellbeing
From boosting your mental wellbeing to building meaningful connections, our libraries are welcoming spaces for everyone. With a variety of free activities like Bounce and Rhyme, Storytime, Photography Club, Knit & Natter, and Reminiscers Groups, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved.
Library membership is completely free and gives you access to thousands of digital resources, including eBooks, eAudiobooks, eNewspapers, and eMagazines. New for 2025 is a dedicated Wellbeing Collection, featuring titles to support mental health, mindfulness, and personal growth, helping to promote overall wellbeing.
To sign up pop into your local library or visit: Join the library.
Your mind
New Year – Learn New
A great resolution for 2025 is to learn something new, and it’s never too late to gain new skills for everyday life, learn a craft that could help you boost your career prospects, or brush up on skills you have that you want to master. Learning helps you boost your confidence... plus it’s fun to do!
2025 sees Adult Learning Worcestershire introduce a host of fantastic new courses for those aged 19 and over with many available to do practically on your doorstep. Whether you’re looking to join a course to improve your wellbeing and meet new people, or if you want to do a course to improve your employability skills, Adult Learning Worcestershire have a course that is right for you.
To see their January and February start courses visit the 2025 course list or to view all available courses visit their course booking website at www.worcestershire.gov.uk/courses or call 01905 728537.
Your planet
Start the New Year right: Clear up recycling confusion and ditch ‘Wishcycling’!
Have you ever hesitated with a cheese-smeared pizza box in hand, unsure whether it belongs in the recycling bin? You might be a wishcycler - a well-meaning individual eager to recycle everything possible, but sometimes unsure about the rules.
Wishcycling, is the practice of tossing items into the recycling bin in the hope they’ll be recycled, even if they aren’t actually recyclable. While the intent is noble, it can do more harm than good. This New Year, commit to smarter recycling habits and make a real difference for the planet!
For more information on how to recycle right, visit What to put in the green bin.
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