ConGens is a community-focused organisation dedicated to improving lives through inclusive support. For over ten years, we have partnered with various organisations across the Black Country, building relationships and creating impact within diverse communities.
Our primary aim is to support the health and wellbeing of older people, helping them stay active, independent, and socially connected. We offer activities to reduce isolation, improve wellbeing, and foster community, including social groups and outings.
Additionally, ConGens promotes intergenerational work and empowers young people by helping them build confidence and skills. We also have expertise in deafness and Deaf culture, ensuring our activities are accessible and culturally appropriate. Our mission focuses on reducing inequality and creating inclusive opportunities for communities to thrive together.
Health & Wellbeing
For more than ten years, ConGens has been supporting the health and wellbeing of local people through accessible, community‑based exercise and health activities. Our exercise programme has reached hundreds of residents across Wolverhampton and surrounding areas, delivered in community centres, supported‑living housing schemes and, when needed, directly in people’s homes. These sessions have helped older people, disabled residents and those with long‑term conditions improve mobility, confidence and overall wellbeing, with many reporting better fitness and reduced isolation.
More recently, we have expanded our home‑based exercise offer for people who are inactive or need extra support to become fitter and more engaged in their community. This personalised approach helps individuals build strength, confidence and independence at their own pace.
We have also worked closely with health professionals to promote preventative wellbeing. A community nurse has delivered on‑site health checks, encouraging people to take an active interest in their health. We have previously arranged talks on key health topics, including women’s health, and supported residents to gain first aid training. Our partnerships such as working with Wolverhampton Ramblers have encouraged people to enjoy simple, accessible activities like walking as a way to stay active and connected in local open spaces.
Across all our work, our aim is to help people live healthier, happier and more confident lives within their community.
425
Beneficiaries to Exercise
76
Supported in I.T
638
Attendees to Outings
Community
ConGens is focused on community, bringing people together to build connections and create welcoming spaces. Our events encourage diverse backgrounds to meet, share experiences, and learn from each other, strengthening understanding across generations and cultures. In 2023, our Celebrating Windrush event united local communities to honour the Windrush generation and their contribution to British life, showcasing how shared stories and cultural celebration can bring people together.
We support digital inclusion through our IT workshops where residents can improve their digital skills and get help with any technical issues with their smartphone or tablet helping them stay connected in a digital world. We also organise affordable outings and trips to places such as Blackpool, Kensington, Bournemouth and Bridgnorth, allowing families, older people and low-income households to enjoy days out they might otherwise miss. These trips help reduce isolation and encourage new friendships.
The difference we are making
Since the start of our home exercise programme, we’ve seen remarkable changes in people’s confidence, health, and outlook. Participants often tell us how much stronger, more mobile, and more positive they feel. Jilly from Wolverhampton says the sessions have boosted her stamina and mobility.
Within a short time of starting her personalised programme, she says she could notice the difference the exercise were making. The small gym in the housing scheme where she lives is hardly used. Now, Jilly and a friend have been motivated to make good use of it and do so twice a week.
Her friend who also participated in the home exercise programme said she no longer depends on her walking stick as before.
Another participant to our programme was referred by a family member out of concern after a fall left her fearful of going outside. Our instructor designed a programme of gentle exercises to strengthen her muscles to improve her mobility balance. By the end of her six week course, she took the brave step of going outside. The goal was to just walk across the road, instead she walked down the road further than expected. Ms L was overjoyed by her accomplishment and keen to maintain her progress.
Stories like these illustrate the value of exercise. Going to people in the community removes the barrier of access enabling those who either cannot leave their home or who have difficulty doing so to receive benefiting from support to improve personal health and wellbeing. For many of our beneficiaries, these sessions have helped how movement can transform lives. Regular exercise builds strength and independence, while time outdoors — especially when the sun is shining — lifts the spirit, encourages social connection, and reminds us that caring for our bodies helps us enjoy life more fully.
Funders past and present
