Take a step towards prioritising your mental wellbeing and explore the diverse range of wellbeing groups and activities available online or in your local community.

Let us know if you spot any activities that are no longer running or that should be added and we’ll update our list!

Please note that groups and activities might have termly timetables, take breaks over school holidays or not run on Bank Holidays. Always follow links given, check on social media or contact them to make sure before you go.

City-wide and online

  • 100% Digital Leeds – a Leeds City Council initiative working to ensure that everyone in Leeds has equal opportunity to use digital tools, technology, and services, in the right way for them. For the the latest digital inclusion events and training opportunities, follow 100% Digital Leeds on Eventbrite.
  • Being You Leeds provides groups, activities and training and awareness sessions for community wellbeing across Leeds.
  • Better Together provide community groups and activities to help address health inequalities, reduce isolation, and improve physical health and wellbeing. Download the full list of activities for October to December 2023.

  • Deaf EXperience Limited (DEX) – provides monthly groups for young deaf people aged 11 to 30.
  • Dementia friendly activities in Leeds – find out about dementia friendly social and activity groups across Leeds.
  • Feel Good Factor – Feel Good Factor run weekly activity and social groups including warm spaces, gardening groups, men’s groups, deaf BSL wellbeing group and socials. Contact 0113 350 4200  or email office@fgfleeds.org.
  • Forum Central – visit Forum Central’s website for all the latest event opportunities from Forum Central and other organisations for Leeds’s health and care sector. 

  • Leeds Recovery College offers free educational courses that focus on keeping us mentally and physically well. Courses are open to anyone in Leeds who would like to better look after their own wellbeing, work out what keeps them well and find ways to enjoy life more.
  • Leeds Sanctuary – Monday Mindfulness runs every Monday lunchtime online at 12.30 pm. It’s a space where people can pause, be attentive to themselves and process their feelings. Sessions are run by a qualified mindfulness teacher and are free of charge. Please register on the Leeds Sanctuary website for the Zoom details.
  • Let’s Unlock – what’s on for men in Leeds – find information about health and wellbeing groups and activities for men across Leeds. Look out for the Leeds Unlocked zine appearing in hubs, libraries, GP surgeries and community centres or contact lawrence@space2.org.uk if you want a copy.
  • Mafwa Theatre – a creative theatre group for refugees, asylum seekers and settled communities in Leeds. Their Kuluhenna drama workshops for women run on Thursdays mornings and their Lincoln Greeners gardening group (for anyone) on Tuesday mornings.
  • MenoPause for Thought from Groundwork Yorkshire – a mixture of online and in-person menopause sessions. Venues are across the Outer South Leeds, including White Rose shopping centre, Greenside Methodist Church and Christ Church Lofthouse area. Find out more: email mandi.reeve@groundwork.org.uk or book MenoPause for Thought sessions using Eventbrite
  • Mental Health Mates Leeds – hosted by Michelle, Mental Health Mates Leeds is a kind and inclusive peer support group for everyone to be themselves, free from judgement. They meet up outdoors, within Roundhay Park, City Centre and in other communities, to gently walk, talk and connect… oh and have a brew! There’s no referrals, no waiting lists and it’s free to join – just turn-up. You can stay for as long as you wish and bring someone with you. For the latest meet-up activity, you can follow @mentalhealthmatesleeds on Instagram, search ‘Mental Health Mates Leeds’ on Facebook or email Michelle on hellomhmleeds@gmail.com to join the mailing list. 
  • Peer Support Plus – Tuesday evening online peer facilitated support group, from 6.30pm on Zoom. Find out more about the group on their website and contact Peer Support Plus to attend: email enquire@peersupportplus.org. Find dates for upcoming meetings on the their calendar. 

  • Your Back Yard – a Leeds-based social enterprise helping people live healthier, more active and happier lives across West Yorkshire, and beyond! Based in Headingley, they offer online and in-person digital inclusion cafés and fitness groups, such as walking football in Bramley, tai chi on Zoom and yoga classes in Woodhouse. Find out more on their website and contact them by emailing contact@yourbackyard.org.uk or calling 07970 903766.

North Leeds

LS6, LS7, LS8, LS16, LS17, LS21, LS22, LS23

East Leeds

LS9, LS14, LS15, LS25, LS24, LS25

  • Art at the NowellsEast Leeds Project’s free art group for adults at Nowell Mount Community Centre in Harehills, with artist Jo Knowles. The group runs on Thursdays from 11.00am to 1.00pm and everyone is welcome! Lunch and art materials are supplied, there’s no need to book.
  • Big Club Fitness – community gym-based session with direction for beginners, catered to bigger bodies. No experience needed and one-to-one support offered. Meets on Thursdays from 10.00am to 11.00am at the Denis Healey Centre, LS14 6RD. Email seacroftcommunityontop@outlook.com for more details.

  • Chapel FM Writing Group – in-person and onlline, come and explore your love for poetry, stories and spoken word in a supportive and creative environment. No previous writing experience needed. The group meets on Wednesdays from 1.00pm to 2.30pm at Chapel FM Arts Centre, LS14 6JB. Email info@chapelfm.co.uk for more details.

  • East Leeds Men’s Art Group – a space to get creative for men at Nowell Mount Community Centre, Nowell Mount, Harehills LS9 6HR. Run by the East Leeds Project, no art experience is needed to join this relaxed and friendly group – just turn up! Meets on Thursday from 11.00am to 1.00pm, art materials are provided and lunch is included. For more information, call: 07946 870 117 or email info@eastleedsproject.org.

  • Kuluhenna Drama workshops – this women’s only group meets every Thursday morning at 10.30am to 12 noon at the Anglers Club, Nippet Lane, Leeds, LS9 7TB. Come along to make friends, have fun and develop your acting skills. All workshops are free to attend and everyone is welcome. A crèche is also available.

  • Men’s Pie Club – this men only group runs weekly on Thursdays from 3.00pm to 5.00pm at Wykebeck Day Centre, Wykebeck Valley Road, Leeds LS9 6NR. The club offers a pie, cup of tea and a chat. Men’s Pie Club believes in talking, looking out for each other – and pie! Call 07925 575 961 or email chris@menspieclub.co.uk for more details. Please complete the online form to book your place. Look out for more clubs starting in Leeds soon.

  • Mind, Body and Soul women’s group – from Space2 runs weekly on Wednesdays from 10.00am at Space2, The Old Workshop, Gipton Approach, Leeds LS9 6NL. This women’s group will offer the chance to build confidence, learn new skills and create art. Contact Jelena to join or find out more: email jelena@space2.org or call 0113 320 0159. Download a flyer for more details.

  • Norwell Mount Community Group – join the Facebook page to find out about latest events at Nowell Mount Community Center, Harehills, Leeds LS9 6JJ.

  • Seacroft Craftivists – run by Climate Action Seacroft, the group uses crafts and gentle words to protest and raise awareness. They meet on Thursdays from 11.00am to 1.00pm at Chapel FM Arts Centre, LS14 6JB. Contact climateactionseacroft@gmail.com for more information.

  • Seacroft Wellbeing Warriors – wellness/wellbeing group that’s a safe and supportive space where you can explore a variety of topics related to self-improvement and personal growth.They meet on Mondays from 1.00pm to 2.30pm at LS14 Trust, LS14 1BT. Find out more: email hjthistlewood@virginmedia.com.
  • Singing Songbirds – women’s singing group starting in April 2024 with Being You Leeds, offering the chance to learn songs old and new, connect with other women and get creative. It will run on Wednesdays from 10.30am-12 noon at 41-47 Cromwell Mount, LS9 7ST. Contact the Being You Leeds team on 0113 248 4880 or info@beingyouleeds.org.uk to book a place.

  • Social Squad – at Leeds Society for Deaf and Blind People, runs every two weeks on Saturdays from 1.00pm to 4.00p at The Centre, St Mary’s Street, LS9 7DP. It’s a fun group, led by ideas from members. Contact Christine for more information: email christine.roche@lsdbp.org or text 07721 422 261.

  • Space2 – Space2 is an award winning arts and social change charity, based in inner East Leeds. Find out what’s on by viewing their timetable.

  • Strega Running Club – is a dedicated women’s-only running community based in Leeds LS9, offering a secure and encouraging environment for local women to enjoy in outdoor exercise. The club focuses on physical fitness, social connections and promoting overall wellbeing. They aim to empower women of all ages and fitness levels, with weekly running sessions, monthly social gatherings and occasional walking activities. Find out more on their Instagram page @stregarunning.

  • Temple Newsam Tea and Talk Club – join the club on the last Wednesday of every month at 11am to 12 noon for an hour of sociable history in the stunning surroundings of Temple Newsam House. A talk will be delivered by an expert member of staff and refreshments will be provided. There’s no need to book ahead, just drop-in and the sessions are completely free.

  • Wellbeing Wednesdays at Leeds Art Gallery – participate in creative activities to make artwork in response to artworks on display. All the materials are free and provided. The sessions run from 11.30am to 2.30pm, each Wednesday during term time.

  • Women’s health and retreat – a women’s only wellbeing group that meets every Monday between 10am and 1pm at Hamara Healthy Living Centre, Tempest Rd, Leeds LS11 6RD. Activities include arts and crafts, mindfulness activities, stress management, improving English skills and more. For more information call 011 277 3330 or email admin@hamara.co.uk

West Leeds

LS4, LS5, LS12, LS13, LS18, LS19, LS20, LS28

  • The Affordable Art Class – starts in September at Fairfield Community Centre, Fairfield Terrace, Leeds LS13 3DQ. This free art class will be on Fridays from 1 pm to 3 pm and is for anyone who lives in West Leeds and is interested in drawing and painting in a relaxed environment. You can find out more on @CentreFairfield on Twitter. Book early, don’t miss out! Email: fairfieldcommunitycentre1@gmail.com.

  • The Highrise Project – offers a range of inclusive and accessible social and wellbeing events, including group drawing, doodling, and digital art classes. Edek’s Doodle Chat is a space to talk, get creative and support each other. Everyone welcome. Tuesdays 2pm to 4pm. See website timetable for full details and other creative sessions.

City Centre

LS1, LS2, LS3, LS11

  • Coffee and cake drop-in with Out Together LGBT+ at Flamingos Coffee House, Central Arcade, LS1 6DX, Wednesdays from 10.30 am to 12 noon. Out Together creates communities for older LGBT+ people. Keep up-to-date on their website or social media.
  • Collective Reading – with the Arts and Minds Network is a fun collective reading event at Leeds Private Library, 18 Commercial Street, LS1 6AL. Collective reading brings adults together for shared reading. It’s a space that nurtures connections, boosts confidence, and kindles compassion. Books and refreshments are provided free of charge. Running until August 2024, one Wednesday a month from 1.00pm to 3.00 pm. Dates to be confirmed, booking essential: email: info@artsandmindsnetwork.org.uk
  • Grief Kind Spaces – weekly drop-in group for anyone aged 18 and over who’s been bereaved, meeting on Thursdays at the John Lewis Community Hub.
  • Leeds Angels FootballAngels of Freedom are working with the Leeds United Foundation to deliver free LGBT+ weekly fitness through football sessions, on Saturdays from 11am to 12 noon at Powerleague Central Leeds, Wellington Bridge Street LS3 1LW. All experience and fitness levels welcome, including absolute beginners. Sessions are non-competitive and focused on fitness and fun. No booking required, just turn up on the day. More information from info@angelsoffreedom.org.uk.
  • Mall walking at White Rose Centre – a great way to exercise in a safe, warm and dry environment, make new friends and have fun at the same time. The White Rose Centre Mall Walking takes place from 9am to 10am on weekdays, when the centre is closed to shoppers. Benefits include improved health, the opportunity to walk whatever the weather, meeting like-minded people, discount vouchers and two coffee mornings a year with raffles and free refreshments. Walk this way and call at the Customer Service Centre located on the lower level next to New Look to register – explore the centre’s map if you’re not sure.
  • Meet & Make – Meet & Make run adult only sessions inspired by Leeds Art Gallery current exhibitions and displays and offer a space to be playful and creative. Drop-in sessions run every Friday from 1.30pm to 3pm.
  • Saturday Sanctuary – Leeds Sanctuary’s monthly relaxed space to start your weekend, with newspapers and board games, and free tea, coffee and pastries. It’s a chance to meet your neighbours in the Dock area, from 10.00 am to 12 noon at The Glass Box, Leeds Dock, LS10 1PZ. Visit their website for upcoming dates.
  • Social Over Soup at Age UK Leeds – the SOS (Social Over Soup) is free for people aged over 50 in Leeds. Go along to enjoy a hot bowl of soup, meet new people and enjoy a natter. It’s held on Tuesdays from 12.30pm at the Age UK Leeds community hub, just at the side of the St John’s Centre. No need to book, just go along and a warm welcome will be waiting! Contact Age UK Leeds for information about their activities: call 0113 389 3000 or email info@ageukleeds.org.uk.
  • Wellbeing Walks – join Leeds Sanctuary for fresh air and exercise in the middle of your day, walking whatever the weather! Come solo or with your team, share lunch together. On Thursdays, from 12.30pm to 1.30pm, meeting in Armouries Square and end up in Fearns. Wellbeing Walks are for anyone who lives and/or works in the Leeds Dock area. Find a list of upcoming dates on their website.
South Leeds

LS10, LS11, LS12, LS26, LS27

  • Holbeck Together Games Night – this free Games Night is located at St Matthews Church, Holbeck and is open to all ages and family friendly. They meet every Saturday, 5pm – 7pm until the end of March.
  • Holbeck Together Gym Group – this free gym group takes place every Thursday, from 4:30pm – 5:30pm. Attendees must be over 16. For more info, call Seb on 07484 515517, or email sebastiane@beingyouleeds.org.uk.
  • Mental health PEER support group – a safe and confidential environment that meets every Tuesday from 3.45pm. It’s free to attend, donations welcome and refreshments provided. It meets at Involve Learning Centre, LS10 2QE. Disabled access and facilities available. Contact Stewardt and Brian for information: call 07419 776 356.
  • South Leeds Community Kitchen – this community kitchen launched in St. Luke’s Church, Holbeck in May 2023 and will be open on the second Sunday of every month from 4pm to 5.45pm. There’s free, nutritious, hot food, board games, toys for kids and friendly faces to chat to. They serve gluten-free/halal/vegan options also and the meals are family-friendly, with a different theme every month. There’s no referral system required, just drop in and join in!

Creative groups and activities

You can find a wide range of organisations in Leeds that can help you to enjoy arts activities, events, workshops and classes.

Outdoor groups and activities

There are also gardening and allotment groups around Leeds, which encourage people to get together to grow and nuture plants, develop their garden care skills, get some exercise and have a chat.

Peer support groups

Peer support brings together people with similar experiences so that they can help and support each other. Joining a support group can help you to develop effective ways of coping in a safe, friendly and supportive space.