New social club for Chelmsford women to meet and connect
We are pleased to announce the return of On Your Team, with a new, weekly programme of wellness-focussed activities for local women starting on Wednesday 10 September.
Chelmsford City Council’s On Your Team initiative aims to combat loneliness and improve mental health by helping local people explore new hobbies, while creating connections and forging friendships.
With the help of our Safer Chelmsford Partners, Essex Police, On Your Team has been successfully running free social sessions for men and women since 2023. While the men’s club is focused on sporting activities, the women’s side has taken a few forms in efforts to find the best format. The latest 12-week programme will begin next month, and the line-up of activities is looking better than ever!
A new activity every week
In previous years, On Your Team has offered 8-week courses of a particular activity, including team sports, self-defence classes and group walks. This year, organisers have decided to try something different to help attendees take time for themselves and build new friendships.
Kaylie Charlery, who created On Your Team, believes the new format will bring more opportunities for connections to form:
““I’m really excited about this next season of On Your Team for women, as we’re approaching it in a brand-new way! Every session will be different, with a new activity to try each week – we’ve got everything from arts and crafts to yoga classes, so there’s something for everyone. It’s a great chance to try something new, get out of your comfort zone, and –most importantly– meet new people.”
Kaylie Charlery, Community Safety Lead Officer at Chelmsford City Council
The social sessions will take place at Patch in Chelmsford city centre. The first will be on Wednesday 10 September from 7pm-8pm and sessions will run weekly until Wednesday 10 December, with a two-week break during October half term (29 October and 5 November).
What to expect
Activities will change every week, with guest leaders for each session. Some weeks the activity will be creative, with things like candle making and pottery painting, while other weeks activities will be physical, like zumba and meditation. Each one-hour session will focus on wellness and getting you out of your comfort zone in order to connect with the people around you.
The programme is designed to allow participants to try as many new things as possible and find what benefits them most. Perhaps you’ll find that one week’s activity doesn’t appeal to you much – but it’s still a chance to commit that one hour to yourself and to your fellow On Your Team members.
Hopefully, by the end of the programme, you’ll have found a new hobby or two and made connections with people you otherwise would never have met!
Who should take part?
On Your Team is open to anyone over 18 years old. If you’re looking for an opportunity to meet new people and try new things, then this is for you.
Councillor Donna Eley, Cabinet Member for a Safer Chelmsford, says creating a support system is invaluable:
““Loneliness is something we often overlook or brush under the carpet, but not having a support system to rely on can be hugely detrimental to our mental health. That’s why On Your Team is so important – it’s a wonderful opportunity to meet local people and remember what it’s like to be part of a team.
Cllr Donna Eley, Cabinet Member for a Safer Chelmsford
“In being supported and supporting others we can gain self-worth, compassion and get back that spring in our step. If you have been feeling lonely or like your social life is lacking, I recommend giving On Your Team a try – you might just find a connection that changes that.”
How to sign up to On Your Team for women
Spaces are limited, so we recommend that you express your interest in the course as soon as possible. You can do this by visiting the On Your Team: Women’s sessions page on Chelmsford City Council’s website and signing up to the waiting list. Once you’ve submitted some basic information, you will then be contacted by a member of the team.
In the spirit of building connections, we ask that you commit to attending all 12 sessions, so that the group can spend as much time together as possible during the programme.
Sessions will take place at Patch in Gray's Yard (Springfield Road, CM2 6QR) on Wednesdays from 7pm-8pm, on the following dates:
- 10 September
- 17 September
- 24 September
- 01 October
- 08 October
- 15 October
- 22 October
- 12 November
- 19 November
- 26 November
- 03 December
- 10 December
On Your Team for men
On Your Team men’s sessions are currently taking place at Chelmsford Sport and Athletics Centre on Thursday evenings from 9pm to 10pm. This programme will run all the way up until 4 December (with a two-week break in October).
To learn more and book your place, visit the On Your Team: Men’s sessions web page and click ‘register now’.
There are still spaces available to join the men’s sessions and the team are very welcoming, so please don’t let joining part-way through the current programme put you off.
James, who took part in the first On Your Team programme and has returned to others since, said:
““The whole team have been great. Scotty, Kaylie & Rosie have done a top job of running the nights and making everyone feel welcome.
James, On Your Team attendee
“For me, it’s been a chance to get out and meet new people from the local area and at the same time have fun playing sports I wouldn’t otherwise get to do. Sport is the perfect icebreaker and the group hit it off straight away. They have been supportive and encouraging to each other throughout.”
Wai Ho, another On Your Team member, said:
““Through On Your Team I've made lifelong friends, expanded my social circle, and felt a true sense of belonging. [The coaches’] dedication and friendliness have made all the difference. Grateful for the impact you've had on my life.”
Wai Ho, On Your Team attendee
Ed was inspired to set up his own weekly practice group after completing the first-ever On Your Team programme:
““I suffer from anxiety, stress and depression and was also looking to lose some weight and get fitter. When I found out about “On Your Team” I decided to register and attend and found Scott, Kaylie and Rosie to be friendly, supporting and welcoming.
Ed, On Your Team attendee
“On a more personal note it has also given me the impetus to organise a five a side football group that play on Monday nights. This is a mixture of both “On Your Team” members and others found through social media who have also recommended it to their friends. Without the “On Your Team” programme this would not have been possible and it’s helped my mental and physical health no end to be part of both groups.”
For more information and to sign up, please visit www.chelmsford.gov.uk/onyourteam/.
Molly writes stories about public health, community safety, leisure, community sport, parking and Chelmsford Market.