Eating healthy food and getting regular exercise is the best way to stay healthy and avoid becoming overweight. It can also help prevent many diseases such as stroke, cancer and diabetes.
But it can be difficult to stay fit and healthy when you move to a new country, especially if there is a change in your daily routine, the type of food you eat and how much physical activity you do.
There are lots of groups and services you can access to help you live a healthier lifestyle, even if you are busy with work, family and study. Many of them are free or low-cost.
Healthy eating and physical exercise
One You Leeds is an organisation that works in partnership with the local authority and offers free apps for your mobile phone and physical activity classes in Leeds to help you get fit.
You can go walking, running or cycling in parks in Leeds for free. Some of the parks also have gym equipment you can use. There are nine big parks and 62 smaller parks in local communities. Find out about more on the Leeds City Council website:
There are also 14 leisure centres in Leeds run by Leeds City Council. They offer sports, swimming and sports and exercise classes. You have to pay for activities but the prices are not as expensive as a gym.
Find Your Local Leisure Centre
There are lots of community centres and organisations in Leeds that run groups and activities where you can learn to cook healthy food or join in exercise in your local area.
Some of the activities are free (especially if you are receiving welfare benefits) or you may be required to pay a small charge. The activities on offer often change, so the best way to find up to date information is to check their websites or contact them directly. Organisations you can try include:
Barca
West Leeds
Barca
0113 2795870
[email protected]
Feel Good Factor
North and North East Leeds
Feel Good Factor Leeds
0113 350 4200
[email protected]
Health for All
South Leeds
Health for All
0113 2706903
Space 2
North East Leeds
Space 2
0113 320 0159
Touchstone
Inner East Leeds
Touchstone
0113 271 8277 / 0113 216 4143 (Punjabi)
Zest – Health for Life
North East Leeds
Zest – Health for Life
0113 240 6677
Stop smoking
Stopping smoking is the best thing you can do to improve your health. You can get free NHS support and prescription medication to help you do this at clinics across Leeds, run by One You Leeds.
Help with drugs and alcohol problems
If you or someone you know has problems with drugs and alcohol, you can access free treatment from Forward Leeds.
