I need ideas for things to do

Feeling bored, need a distraction, or just want to keep busy? Here are some ideas for things to do at home during coronavirus. If you’re feeling a bit down, trying a new activity can help lift your mood.

General

Government rules

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GOV.UK

See government rules on what you can and can’t do during coronavirus.

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Brighton & Hove Libraries

You can still get books to read from Brighton & Hove’s libraries even though they’re closed. You can download ebooks to read from the link below. Or call or email the library and they can deliver books (including large print) and audiobooks to you. If you don’t have a library card, you can get a temporary one on the website.

Area:

Across the city

Phone:

01237 290800 (After the voicemail message, press 1 and leave your name and phone number - someone will call you back)

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Mind

Every week Mind shares a wellbeing update full of tips and ideas for activities. They’ve got ideas for everything from origami and knitting, to free online learning courses.

Area:

Across the city

Exercise and movement

Exercise and movement Print details

Brighton & Hove City Council

Brighton & Hove City Council has lots of ideas for ways you can stay active at home during coronavirus. There’s also workouts and things to do on the Healthy Lifestyles Facebook page.

Area:

Across the city

Exercise and movement Print details

Brighton & Hove cycle map

The Brighton & Hove cycle map will help you plan out a route for a bike ride. It shows all the bike lanes, including the new ones that have been created for people to use during coronavirus.

Area:

Across the city

Exercise and movement Print details

Sport England

If you’re not very active at the moment, Sport England has helpful advice that’ll show you how to get started.

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Across the city

Exercise and movement Print details

British Heart Foundation

If you want a short workout, the British Heart Foundation has a 10-minute living room workout video on YouTube.

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Across the city

Exercise and movement Print details

NHS

The NHS has a list of lots of different free exercise classes that you can do from home. It covers everything from bellydancing and aerobics, to pregnancy yoga and pilates for people with back pain.

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Across the city

Mindfulness and meditation

Mindfulness and meditation Print details

NHS

The NHS has information about mindfulness, how it can help you, and resources to get you started.

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Across the city

Mindfulness and meditation Print details

Headspace

Headspace is a meditation app. They have free meditations on their website, and the full version of the app is free for a year if you’re unemployed.

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Across the city

Cooking

Cooking Print details

Brighton & Hove Food Partnership

Brighton & Hove Food Partnership is running online cookery workshops. They have sessions for adults and children, covering everything from baking to South Indian cookery. There’s a suggested donation of £10-£30.

Area:

Across the city

Education

Education Print details

Workers Educational Association

Workers Educational Association has lots of free online courses, covering health and wellbeing, exercise, history, art, IT and more.

Area:

Across the city

For parents and families

For parents and families Print details

Brighton & Hove Libraries

Brighton and Hove’s librarians are running lots of different activities on their Facebook page.

  • Storytime: every day at 10:15.
  • Baby Boogie: first and third Thursday of the month at 2.30pm.
  • Dads’ sessions: second Saturday of the month at 2.30pm.

If you miss a session you can watch them afterwards on Facebook too.

Area:

Across the city

For parents and families Print details

BookTrust

BookTrust website has lots of activities, including free online books and videos for storytime, games, quizzes, and drawing activities.

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Across the city

For parents and families Print details

PE with Joe

Trainer Joe Wicks is running PE lessons live on YouTube on weekdays at 9am. The sessions last for 30 minutes. They’re aimed at children, but the whole family can join in.

Area:

Across the city

For parents and families Print details

Cosmic Kids yoga

Free yoga, mindfulness and relaxation videos for children aged three and over on YouTube.

Area:

Across the city

For parents and families Print details

Change 4 Life

Change 4 Life has 10-minute Disney-themed games to get your children up and moving.

Area:

Across the city

For parents and families Print details

Art Room

Art Room is running online art classes for children aged six and up (and adults who want to join in too). There’s no fee, but you can make a donation if you can afford it.

Area:

Across the city

For young people

For young people Print details

Audio Active

Audio Active has online sessions and tutorials and more for young people who are into making music.

Area:

Across the city

For young people Print details

Albion in the Community

Albion in the Community is sharing ways for people to get active, stay well, and keep learning – with lots of free resources available on its website, including football-themed worksheets for young people, easy-to-prepare healthy recipes, home work-out videos, and football challenges for people to try in their gardens.

Area:

Across the city

For young people Print details

Brighton Youth Centre

Brighton Youth Centre is running online sessions and posting things to do on their Facebook and Instagram.

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Across the city

For young people Print details

TDC Youth

TDC Youth have people you can talk to on Facebook if you need help. They’re also sharing things to do on Facebook and Instagram.

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Across the city

For young people Print details

YMCA Right Here

YMCA Right Here is a health and wellbeing project for 11-25 year olds. They’re posting ideas for things to do on Facebook and Instagram.

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Across the city

For young people Print details

Hangleton and Knoll Project

If you live in Hangleton and Knoll and need some support or things to do, get in touch with a text or on Facebook.

Area:

Hangleton and Knoll

For young people Print details

Tarner Community Project

If you live in Tarner, Tarner Community Project is providing online support and sharing things to do on Facebook and Instagram.

Area:

Tarner

Volunteer

All the volunteer opportunities in one place

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Community Works

Find opportunities to volunteer. The Community Works website has lots of different opportunities on offer with charities across Brighton & Hove.

Area:

Across the city

Volunteer Print details

Pop To The Shop

Pop To The Shop needs volunteers to do shopping for people who can’t go out themselves. They handle the money side of things on their website.

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Across the city

Volunteer Print details

National Care Force

The National Care Force is a nationwide network of care providers, healthcare workers and volunteers, who support social care services with looking after the most vulnerable members of society.

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Across the city

Volunteer Print details

British Red Cross

You can sign up to be a community reserve volunteer with the British Red Cross. You don’t need any specialist skills to join.

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Across the city

Volunteer Print details

NHS Volunteer Responders

NHS Volunteer Responders can help you by picking up shopping and other essentials, or calling you for a friendly chat. Just call to ask for help.

Area:

Across the city

Opening hours:

8am to 8pm