In our latest story from the Sport for Change Wolverhampton initiative, University of Wolverhampton students Ryan Ellis, Rammael Curtiss and Rhys Hunt report on Ethnic Minority Council's Free Fusion Chair Beatz Movement & Chai Session.

A community-led fitness programme in Wolverhampton is helping people from diverse backgrounds become more active and socially connected by combining exercise with cultural music and dance traditions.

The Free Fusion Chair Beatz Movement & Chai Sessions, organised by the Wolverhampton-based Ethnic Minority Council (EMC), aims to engage individuals who may not normally take part in conventional sports or fitness activities. Offering seated and standing options, the sessions cater for all ages and abilities, and ensure organisers are able to provide a fun and welcoming environment that encourages long-term participation.

ACTIVE

Initial weekly sessions took place at the Bob Jones Community Hub in Blakenhall and will now continue across the city, taking place in various venues and parks over the coming months. Speaking at one recent event, EMC chief executive Suffia Perveen explained that the programme focuses on understanding what motivates people to stay active.

"What you're watching is a cultural movement to engage communities that would not otherwise engage in normal exercise or sports," she said. "It's really about linking to what their needs are and making sure they have got the kind of activity that they keep coming back to."

This approach is essential since Government statistics show ethnically-diverse communities face some of the lowest physical activity rates in the UK. Sport England’s Active Lives Survey reveals under half of South Asian women achieve the recommended 150 minutes of weekly activity. Barriers like family responsibilities, lack of culturally appropriate environments, and body-confidence issues can drive these issues.

To address this, EMC incorporates a variety of musical styles and dance and drama-inspired movements into its sessions, including Bhangra, Bollywood, Jamaican Dancehall and Gidda, alongside hip hop and house music. Organisers say the blend of cultural influences helps participants feel represented while also introducing them to new experiences.

POSITIVE

The sessions have proved popular among attendees, many of whom highlighted both the physical and social benefits of taking part.

One participant said she was willing to travel significant distances to attend because of the positive atmosphere. "I really enjoy it," she commented. "Even if it's far away, I just make the effort to go there and enjoy myself and meet other people like me."

Others spoke about the importance of the programme in reducing isolation and creating opportunities for connection.

"You come freely," another attendee explained. "You don't feel like you have to be invited. You just come out. This way it's nice to meet other people and talk, and sometimes you can share your problems as well."

As the tempo of the music increases during the hour-long session, and more and more participants find themselves smiling, laughing and moving around the hall, it becomes clear that making new friends appears to be as important as the exercise itself. Participants described the sessions as an inclusive space where people feel comfortable expressing themselves and where friendships grow.

VARIETY

Music also plays a central role in the appeal of the programme. One attendee said they enjoyed the wide variety of songs featured during the session.

"I enjoyed all the music," she said. "Even though I didn't know the lyrics, I enjoyed the beats."

EMC has signed up to support the Sport for Change Wolverhampton campaign which is being backed by the University of Wolverhampton and Wolves Foundation. The new initiative, which is being co-ordinated by ConnectSport CIC, sees local students promoting the health and social benefits of community sport projects across the city. More than 50 projects are expected to join the campaign by the end of 2026.

Read more about Sport for Change Wolverhampton.

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