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Rossendale Works to Launch Free Employment and Wellbeing Support Programme Thanks to Pride in Place funding

Rossendale Works, an employment support project delivered by Active Lancashire on behalf of Rossendale Borough Council, has secured funding to deliver a brand-new employment and wellbeing programme to residents through Rossendale’s Our Towns Plan, funded via the UK Government’s Pride in Place programme.

The Employment and Wellbeing Support programme will be delivered every Wednesday at Marl Pits Leisure Centre, providing a variety of activities and support opportunities for residents looking to secure employment, enter education or gain qualifications.

The programme is open to Rossendale residents who are not in employment, education or training and will provide access to a free gym membership thanks to Marl Pits Leisure Centre, as well a variety of physical activities including five-a-side football. Alongside this, participants will be able to meet local employers, receive employability support from the Rossendale Works team, and access free training and qualifications thanks to Active Lancashire’s Learning Zone.

The programme forms part of the Pride in Place ten-year regeneration plan (2026-2036) for Rawtenstall, Waterfoot and Crawshawbooth, and is funded  by UK Government.  

Paul Becouarn, Project Lead for Rossendale Works, said: “We’re delighted to receive funding to deliver the Employment and Wellbeing Support Programme, which will enable us to support more residents than ever before in entering employment or education, whilst also helping them to improve their overall wellbeing.

“We are dedicated to transforming the lives of local people by providing them with the tools, training, and connections they need to succeed in today’s job market. The Pride in Place Programme will provide participants with the chance to connect directly with employers to explore local job opportunities, whilst providing wraparound support through physical activity, employability and skills workshops, and access to training and qualifications.”

Iain Taylor, Chair of the Pride in Place Board, added: “I’m delighted to see this programme launch as part of our long-term vision for Rossendale. By combining employment support, training and wellbeing activities, it offers residents practical, accessible routes into work and education while improving overall health. This is a strong example of how Pride in Place is creating real opportunities for our communities.”

Sessions are set to begin on Wednesday 13th May at Marl Pits Leisure Centre, with employment support taking place between 11AM and 12:30PM, and physical activity sessions following at 12:50PM until 2PM. Further provision including walking groups, physical activity sessions and access to training is also due to begin within the Edgeside Ward of Rossendale in the coming weeks.

 For further information, please contact Oliver Chadwick, Employment Support Officer at Rossendale Works via: OliverChadwick@rossendalebc.gov.uk or 07562630299. Alternatively, a detailed summary of Rossendale Works’ support and weekly timetable can be found at www.ActiveLancashire.org.uk

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Accrington Bike Shop Celebrated at Selnet Awards

Active Cycles, a community-driven initiative based in the Arndale Centre, Accrington, has received a Highly Commended Award at this year’s Selnet Awards.

Opened in 2021, Active Cycles works with landfill sites across Lancashire to rescue disused bikes, whilst also accepting donations from members of the public. Bikes are restored by volunteer mechanics, with a number of bikes also sent to local prisons which are restored as part of work prison work programmes.

Once restored, bikes are sold at a low-cost through Active Cycles storefront in the Arndale Centre, with children’s bikes available for just £25 (or £15 if customers trade-in an old bike) and adult’s bikes starting at only £50. Many bikes are also donated to community groups and schools, with Active Cycles having recently donated adapted bikes to British Cycling’s Limitless Cycling sessions in Burnley.

Now, Active Cycles has been commended for its efforts in providing Lancashire residents with access to safe and affordable active travel; shortlisted among five other nominees, Active Cycles received a Highly Commended Award at this year’s Selnet Awards in the ‘Small Social Enterprise of the Year’ category.

Michelle Grimes, Project Lead at Active Cycles, said: “It’s a huge honour to have been recognised at this year’s Selnet Awards! Active Cycles began as a means to reduce carbon emissions and ease pressure on Landfill sites across the county, whilst providing residents with access to affordable bikes – we’ve now gave over 1,800 bikes a new home, saving over 42,000kg of cO2e in the meantime!

“None of this would be possible without the support of our volunteers, who work for free in the shop up to five days per week restoring bikes – all they ask for in return is a brew and biscuits! They don’t realise the huge impact their selflessness has on our communities, so this award is a fantastic chance to celebrate all of their hard work and selflessness.”

Now, thanks to funding from Lancashire County Council and Cycling UK, residents can enjoy free bike hire for up to one month, or access free bike maintenance and small repairs on their own bikes.

Active Cycles is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10:30AM – 3:30PM; dependant on volunteer availability, the shop extends its opening times throughout the week and on weekends. For up-to-date opening times and stock levels, please visit www.facebook.com/ActiveCyclesLancashire or email office@activelancashire.org.uk

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Active Lancashire Launches April – December 2025 Impact Report

Active Lancashire has published its latest Impact Report detailing key achievements and progress against the ambitions set out in the Decade of Movement Strategy: Move More, Live Well. The report reflects on April – December 2025, showcasing its commitment to creating a healthier, more active Lancashire through six strategic priorities: Inequalities, System Leadership, Place Leadership, Environment, Children and Young People, and Health.

Key Highlights include:

    • Lancashire School Games: Engaged 5000 young people, inspiring participation and inclusion.

    • Workwell: Engaged 691 individuals, fully supporting 392 participants

    • Active Recovery: Delivered over 700 sessions which supported 481 participants

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Adrian Leather, Active Lancashire Chief Executive commented: “It’s fantastic to see some of the progress Active Lancashire has made in local communities in the last eight months, from supporting young people into education and employment, to improving access to physical activity and green spaces for residents in the most-deprived areas of Lancashire.”

Click here to read the full report
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Challenge Through Sport Initiative to Rebrand to Active Recovery

Challenge Through Sport Initiative, a Lancashire-wide programme supporting individuals affected by substance misuse, has today rebranded as Active Recovery, marking a new chapter for the project and bringing it closer in line with its parent organisation, Active Lancashire.

Established in 2015, Challenge Through Sport Initiative is a bespoke behaviour-change programme that uses physical activity to support people in recovery from substance misuse, mental health challenges, and/or involvement in the criminal justice system.

The rebrand follows the confirmation of new funding from national substance misuse charity Change Grow Live, which will enable the programme to continue delivering and expanding its services for individuals across Lancashire. With the funding now in place, the team has taken the opportunity to refresh the programme’s name and visual identity, strengthening its alignment with Active Lancashire.

Under its new identity, Active Recovery will continue to provide free weekly physical activity and wellbeing sessions for individuals experiencing substance misuse. By aligning more closely with Active Lancashire’s branding, Active Recovery can now more effectively signpost participants to the charity’s wider range of services, including free training and qualifications, free bike hire, and additional employment support.

Darren Wright, Director of Communities at Active Lancashire, said: “After working closely with our team and service users over the past 12 months, we are proud to introduce our new Active Recovery brand. This new identity reflects the incredible progress, resilience and shared ambition we’ve seen across the service previously known as Challenge Through Sport Initiative.

“Under the newly launched CGL contract, we’re excited to continue delivering outstanding support that empowers people in recovery to improve their wellbeing, build confidence and engage in positive physical activity that supports long‑term change.”

For more information on the support Active Recovery offers or to make a referral, please visit www.activelancashire.org.uk or email office@activelancashire.org.uk

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Introducing Preston Moves

Preston Moves is a community-led movement to help people in Preston be more active in ways that work for them.

The approach is working with local organisations who know their communities best, particularly in areas where people face the biggest barriers to being active.

The work is starting in Deepdale, St Matthew’s, Fishwick & Frenchwood, and Ribbleton where civic, community and faith leaders have asked us to focus on children and young people, places and spaces to be active, health, and messaging related to physical activity.

In some parts of our communities’ people face more challenges than others, and this can influence how healthy, happy and connected they feel. Preston Moves wants to change that.

In 2026 we will be working with community groups to understand what’s already happening in their communities, what helps people move more, and what gets in the way.

And we’re supporting VCFSE leaders with free training in systems leadership to enable them to feel more confident in leading and coordinating work in complex environments.

Preston Moves is supported by Sport England and coordinated by a team including Preston City Council, Active Lancashire, GLL, Lancashire and Cumbria NHS Integrated Care Board, Preston North End Community and Education Trust and These Four Words.

If you’re part of a community group in our priority areas, we want to collaborate. Get in touch with programme manager Amy Thompson-Spears on a.thompson-spears@preston.gov.uk to start the conversation or watch this video invitation to our engagement with community groups.

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Active Lancashire refreshes ‘Decade of Movement’ strategy to unite local action with national ambition

Active Lancashire has unveiled a refreshed version of its Decade of Movement strategy, reinforcing its commitment to creating a fairer, healthier and more active Lancashire whilst aligning more closely with Sport England’s national Uniting the Movement strategy.

Originally launched in 2021 as a shared 10-year vision to embed movement into everyday life, the refreshed strategy builds on what has been learned through place-based delivery, partnership working and lived experience across Lancashire. It aims to sharpen the organisation’s focus on tackling inequalities to empower local communities and ensure lasting change.

The refresh reflects the same core ambition as Sport England’s Uniting the Movement: to put people and place first, reduce the stark inequalities in access to physical activity and work collaboratively across sectors to create the conditions for active lives.

Active Lancashire’s updated approach recognises that movement is not a luxury, but an essential part of thriving communities, a resilient health system and a stronger local economy. With over a quarter of adults in Lancashire currently inactive and deep health inequalities between places, the strategy reaffirms physical activity as one of the most powerful tools available to improve wellbeing and life chances.

At the heart of the refreshed strategy is a renewed commitment to:

  • People first – designing activity around real lives, cultures and needs
  • Place-based working – supporting local partnerships to lead solutions that work for their communities
  • System change – embedding movement into health, education, planning and employment
  • Equity and inclusion – prioritising communities with the greatest barriers to being active

The strategy is underpinned by Active Lancashire’s new Theory of Change – a flexible framework providing practical tools, leadership development, shared learning and support to partners at every stage of their journey. This mirrors Sport England’s emphasis on collaboration, local ownership and scaling what works.

Another new addition to the strategy is the inclusion of Environment within Active Lancashire’s core values and strategic priorities. Building on learning from environmental sustainability projects delivered over the past five years, Active Lancashire recognises that access to healthy, sustainable environments is fundamental to enabling active lives. By embedding environmental considerations into decision-making, the organisation aims to create places that not only encourage movement, but also improve wellbeing, reduce health inequalities and support a more resilient future for Lancashire’s communities.

Adrian Leather, CEO of Active Lancashire, said: “Refreshing our Decade of Movement strategy is about sharpening our focus on what really matters – putting people and place first and tackling the deep inequalities that still prevent too many people in Lancashire from being active. By aligning ourselves more closely with the ambitions of Sport England’s Uniting the Movement, and by embedding movement across health, education, active spaces and our environment, we’re uniting local action with national direction. This strategy is a clear commitment to working together so that movement becomes part of everyday life, helping communities across Lancashire to live well and thrive, now and for the next decade.”

Through the refreshed strategy, Active Lancashire will continue to work alongside local authorities, health partners, voluntary organisations, community leaders and residents to embed movement where it matters most – in everyday routines, services and spaces.

The Decade of Movement refresh signals a clear intention: to unite local energy with national ambition, and to ensure that over the next ten years, more people across Lancashire can move more, live well and thrive – whatever their background or circumstances.

To find out more about Active Lancashire’s projects, visit www.activelancashire.org.uk or email news@activelancashire.org.uk

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Nelson-based Youth Engagement Hub Partners with Natwest to Deliver Money Management Sessions to Young People

Pendle YES Hub, a youth employment service based in Nelson, has formed a new partnership with NatWest Burnley to help young people develop essential money management skills.

The collaboration began after Gregg, the Senior Manager at the NatWest Bank in Burnley, saw his daughter Elecia receive support from the YES Hub in 2025. Gregg and his wife, Cat, discovered the service through social media when Elecia began experiencing poor mental health. After struggling to find appropriate support elsewhere, they contacted the YES Hub, who promptly arranged a same-day meeting with Gregg, Cat and Elecia.  During the meeting, the family were able to tour the YES Hub’s facilities, meet the team and work together to create a tailored support pathway for Elecia.

Now, Elecia has been able to return to studying for her A‑levels and has also resumed working part‑time. Keen to give something back to the service that helped his daughter rebuild her confidence, Gregg offered to deliver NatWest’s Financial Foundations workshops to YES Hub participants, alongside a fellow team member, Muqqs.

Launched by NatWest in 2024, the Financial Foundations workshops aim to improve young people’s financial wellbeing, covering topics such as budgeting, scam awareness and managing the cost of living. Recently, colleagues from NatWest Burnley visited the YES Hub to deliver an introductory session for staff and partner organisations. The session provided an overview of the workshops, guidance on appropriate referrals, and advice on recognising the signs that a young person may be experiencing financial difficulties.

“Since returning to manage the NatWest Burnley team, supporting our local community has been a key focus. After personally using the Yes Hub’s services for my daughter last year, they were the first organisation I contacted because of the fantastic work Dave and his team do for young people in Pendle. I’m looking forward to collaborating with them to enhance the support they already provide.”

Mehvish Ashraf, Youth Engagement Worker at the YES Hub, who worked closely with Gregg and his daughter during her time at the Hub, said: “NatWest’s Financial Foundations workshops are a welcome addition to the support we offer at the YES Hub for young people aged 16–24. We work with young people who are not currently in employment, education or training, providing a range of services including access to training and qualifications, one-to-one employment support, mental health sessions, and physical activity programmes designed to build confidence before moving into work or education.

“Having worked with Gregg and his daughter last year, it’s clear how passionate he is about ensuring young people have the tools and support they need to thrive. It’s really touching that he has gone above and beyond to support our participants, and we’re excited to be working with him and his colleagues from NatWest Burnley to offer practical financial guidance to the young people we support.”

Pendle YES Hub was set up in 2021 by Pendle Borough Council, the Department for Work and Pensions and Positive Action in the Community and is managed by charity Active Lancashire. The YES Hub offers a wide range of provision for 16-24 year olds who are not currently in education, employment and training. For further information on the YES Hub’s activities or to sign up to the Financial Foundations workshops, please email MAshraf@activelancashire.org.uk or visit www.ActiveLancashire.org.uk

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School Games Logo Competition

Each year, the SPAR Lancashire School Games invites schoolchildren across Lancashire to participate in a range of sport and physical activities designed to help them move more, increase confidence, develop skills, and have fun!

In 2026, the SPAR Lancashire School Games is celebrating its 20th year, and to mark the occasion, we’d like schoolchildren to help us design a special anniversary logo.

To enter, children simply have to draw a design in the template which they think best represents the SPAR Lancashire School Games. This could be anything from sports the child has taken part in, to the values the child thinks the School Games represents! Their design also must include the number 20 somewhere in it.

The winning logo will be featured across SPAR Lancashire School Games’ social media channels and T-shirts worn by over 1,500 children at the School Games’ end of year Finales held in Blackpool, Burnley, Lancaster, and Preston.

What is more, the winning designer will also win their school class and teachers an all expenses paid trip to the European Athletics Championships, sponsored by SPAR, in Birmingham on Tuesday 11th August 2026.

To enter, please upload an image of your child’s drawing below, no later than Tuesday 31st March.

It’s really important that the child keeps hold of the physical the drawing as we will need to use this to recreate the logo into digital form ready to be printed onto T-shirts!

We will contact the school of the winning child no later than Monday 1st June to arrange a presentation announcing the winner.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us on the above email address.

Terms and Conditions

  • The prize cannot be exchanged for an alternate date or a cash alternative
  • The competition is for primary schools participating in the SPAR Lancashire School Games
  • Entries must be hand drawn – use of computer/tablet technology or AI is not allowed
  • Entries must be produced by an individual and not groups of children or parents/guardians/school staff
  • Entries must be uploaded through the page set up on the Active Lancashire website (link via QR code)

Design a Logo Flyer

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Design a Logo Template

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Submit your design


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    Active Wellbeing Group launches to Support NHS Ten-Year Strategy

    Leisure Services, Charities, NHS therapy teams, and Social Care providers across Lancashire and South Cumbria have collaborated to launch the Active Wellbeing Group, aiming to support the NHS Ten-Year-Strategy.

    The Group was created in response to increasing pressures on the healthcare system, including rising NHS waiting times and financial constraints, with the objective of integrating leisure and health services. Through this integration, the Active Wellbeing Group seeks to develop preventative and rehabilitative patient pathways that reduce NHS costs, improve patient outcomes, and support the objectives of the NHS 10-Year Plan.

    Since its formation earlier this year, the Group has already initiated several successful pilot projects. Notably, a falls prevention programme led by Otago Burnley and Morecambe Health Trust demonstrates how leisure centres can contribute to both preventative care and step-down rehabilitation for individuals at risk of falls, through targeted strength and balance training. The pilot is being monitored and will potentially expand across the county if successful.

    Tom Burton, Strategic Lead for Health and Wellbeing at Sport England, recently attended an Active Wellbeing meeting and was impressed with the actions being taken by the group: “We know people’s health is shaped by the places and communities they live in, so what’s really important to Sport England is that the changes we advocate for across the system are informed by local realities. This means understanding what is working, and what challenges local areas are facing.

    “It’s clear that the Active Wellbeing group has a real energy and shared purpose about supporting people and communities. There’s definitely a role that Sport England can play nationally in supporting more groups like this, and it’s great to see this at a local level.”

    Adrian Leather, CEO of Active Lancashire, and Stephen Sandford, Chief Allied Health Professions Officer at NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board, reflected on the decision to form the group, as well as its success so far and plans for the future, “The Active Wellbeing group was formed as a response to some of the challenges we’ve seen the NHS, healthcare providers and leisure services face in the past few years. The group is really a forum for these individuals to come together and share their experiences, and meet people across organisations who they can begin to work with to tackle these challenges together.

    “We’re hoping that the Active Wellbeing group can support the NHS’ 10 year plan of moving from a sickness model of health, to a health model of health by ensuring everybody, across local systems, is aware of what provision and support is available to encourage more collaborative projects such as the Falls Prevention group which is being successfully piloted in Burnley.”

    Simon Gwynne, CEO of Pendle Leisure Trust, added, “it is clear that those involved in the group have a shared ambition and excitement for the work we are all doing. There’s fantastic opportunities for us to collaborate with one another, that will ultimately enable us to expand the support that is offered to our communities both now and in the future.”

    The Active Wellbeing Group continues to work on expanding the role of leisure centres in supporting healthcare delivery, including advocating for their inclusion in hospital estates strategies, promoting co-location, and fostering joint investment opportunities. These efforts aim to further embed preventative and rehabilitative services into local practice and inform broader policy development.

    For more information or to attend the next Active Wellbeing meeting, please visit www.activelancashire.org.uk or email news@activelancashire.org.uk

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    Team GB Paralympian Visits Active Lancashire-Backed Inclusive Cycling Session

    Paralympic gold medalist, Gregg Stevenson MBE, recently attended one of British Cycling’s new inclusive cycling sessions, where he spoke with participants and learned first-hand how the programme has supported them.

    Launched in September by British Cycling in partnership with Burnley Outdoor Town, Limitless Cycling provides people who face barriers to physical activity with the opportunity to enjoy cycling in a welcoming and supportive environment, using adapted bikes designed to meet a wide range of needs and abilities.

    Around 20 people were present at The Hive in Padiham, enjoying the opportunity to cycle alongside the world and European champion on adapted bikes supplied by local community initiative, Active Cycles. He also joined in with the group’s Couch to 5K session, offering encouragement and inspiration throughout the day.

    Participants later shared with Stevenson how the sessions have supported them in becoming more physically active whilst boosting their confidence and mental wellbeing. Now working as a mental health practitioner and veteran support lead with NHS Op COURAGE, the Paralympic gold medalist understands the importance of projects such as Limitless Cycling and the positive impact which they can have on those with disabilities and long-term health conditions.

    Speaking of the programme’s importance, Stevenson said: “It’s been an incredible day here at The Hive. As someone from East Lancashire, I’m very aware of the challenges around long-term health conditions and inactivity in our communities.

    “To come along and see people out walking, riding bikes, and just enjoying being active is fantastic. On a rare sunny day like this, it’s great to see people engaged, enthusiastic, and connecting with others. Reducing social isolation and promoting wellbeing is so important and The Hive is doing exactly that.”

    Volunteers from Active Cycles – a community-driven initiative based in the Arndale Centre, Accrington – met Stevenson at the 2025 Active Hyndburn Awards, where they connected through their shared ambition of ensuring that those who face barriers to sport and physical activity are able to access the support and resources they need to become more physically active.

    He was then invited to a Limitless Cycling session and told more about the Active Cycles project, which was set up with the aim of rescuing bikes from landfill and restoring them with the support of volunteer mechanics. These would then be sold back to the community at an affordable cost or donated to community projects such as Limitless Cycling.

    Michelle Grimes, Project Lead at Active Cycles, said: “Active Cycles is proud to be able to donate bikes to projects like Limitless Cycling in Burnley, we see the fabulous work that’s going on here and if we do our bit to support and give more people the chance to be active and to access bikes then we are happy! It was great to have our volunteers visit the session so they can see where all their hard work in fixing bikes makes a difference in the community.”

    To get involved, individuals can sign up for British Cycling’s inclusive sessions through the British Cycling website or by contacting. Those wishing to support the programme can donate unwanted bikes to Active Cycles by contacting news@Activelancashire.org.uk.

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    Team GB Olympian vaults SPAR Lancashire School Games into 20th year

    A Team GB Olympic Pole Vault star has returned to launch the SPAR Lancashire School Games more than a decade after participating in them.

    Harry Coppell was the guest speaker at the launch of the School Games held at James Hall & Co. Ltd’s SPAR Distribution Centre in Preston and he helped vault them into a 20th year with every edition over the last two decades sponsored by SPAR.

    Seventy primary school children from across the Red Rose County attended the launch to hear Harry’s story, posed for photos with Harry, and met SPAR mascot SPARtan who provided entertainment.

    Children then enjoyed a tour of the SPAR Distribution Centre, including ambient, fresh and frozen warehouses, alongside their teachers and School Games Organisers.

    Harry spoke about how he first got into participating in the pole vault, his time in the Lancashire School Games and the National School Games, and his journey to becoming a professional athlete.

    He currently holds the men’s British Pole Vault record, competed at the Tokyo Olympics where he finished seventh, and he is a Commonwealth Games medal winner. When he is not competing and training, he helps deliver School Games activity in West Lancashire. Harry said: “I was delighted to be asked to launch the 20th SPAR Lancashire School Games in a milestone year and it was a lovely chance for a trip down memory lane to where it all started for me. The children were really engaged and asked some great questions about my career.

    “When I made the move back to the West Lancashire area last year, I reconnected with old contacts delivering School Games activity, and I leapt at the chance to get involved again when I was invited to. I have loved supporting that work since.”

    It is a big 12 months for Harry with the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in July next year closely followed by the European Athletics Championships – sponsored by SPAR – which are coming to Great Britain for the first time when they are held in Birmingham in August 2026.

    Harry added: “After a couple of injury affected years, I am raring to go for 2026. It is a unique opportunity to compete twice at major competitions in front of huge crowds in Great Britain.

    “Although I missed the Paris Olympics, I won the British title again last year. That has given me confidence going forward and I am embracing the challenge ahead.”

    During the visit, children also heard presentations from Joint Managing Director of James Hall & Co. Ltd, Niels Dekkers, who highlighted some fun facts about the company and SPAR, before Adrian Leather, Chief Executive Officer at Active Lancashire, reflected on 20 years of sponsorship of the Lancashire School Games.

    Run by Active Lancashire and the School Games Organiser Network, the Lancashire School Games have been sponsored by SPAR through its association with James Hall & Co. Ltd since 2006.

    Niels Dekkers said: “What a way to launch the 20th SPAR Lancashire School Games. It was a pleasure to hear Harry’s story from a previous participant and his rise to become the outstanding British champion and athlete he is today.

    “We are looking ahead to another fantastic year of School Games activity across Lancashire, and we have some brilliant plans in the calendar. Our thanks go to Active Lancashire and the School Games Organisers who will be delivering this activity in a special year for the games.”

    Adrian Leather said: “Harry is a true inspiration, and he really wowed everyone present with his career progress. It was amazing to learn more about the Pole Vault as a discipline, and we are rooting for him as one of our own in 2026.

    “We are incredibly grateful to James Hall & Co. Ltd and SPAR for their dedicated support of the School Games over the last two decades. There is nothing like the Lancashire School Games anywhere else in the country and that is testament to the success of this enduring partnership.”

    SPAR Lancashire School Games activity is delivered in three distinct clusters across the county – Coastal, Central, and Pennine – aligned to local needs. In the 2024-25 academic year, this included 45 feature events.

    James Hall & Co. Ltd is a fifth-generation family business which serves a network of independent SPAR retailers and company-owned SPAR stores across Northern England six days a week from its base at Bowland View in Preston.

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    Active Lancashire Launches ‘Place Universal Offer’ to support residents and local communities in Morecambe, Fleetwood and Skelmersdale.  

    Active Lancashire, the strategic lead for sport and physical activity across the county, is set to launch the Place Universal Offer (PUO) supporting Sport England’s Strategy, ‘Uniting the Movement’. 

    The PUO will put physical activity at the heart of everyday life in Fleetwood, Morecambe and Skelmersdale – encouraging people to move more in their daily lives. Where someone lives can strongly affect how active our communities are.  Active Lancashire and partners will be taking a place-based approach to the work alongside local councils, health services, employers, schools and community groups to create more opportunities for people to be active in ways that work for them. Each area named in the PUO will have a bespoke focus and implementation plan tailored in response to local inequalities – from supporting schools to open their facilities, to helping partners design more joined-up approaches – but the ambition remains the same: making activity more accessible, inclusive and part of daily life. 

    The offer forms part of Sport England’s ‘Uniting the Movement’ strategy, which is designed to ensure that physical activity is recognised and harnessed as a powerful tool to improve health, reduce inequalities and create lasting positive change across communities. 

    Paul Blythin, Director of Health and Skills at Active Lancashire, said: “We’re delighted that Sport England are investing further into the communities of Lancashire through the Place Universal Offer. This investment enables us to work with communities to support residents to live healthier, more active lives and help communities to thrive. 

    “By working closely with local partners, we can make sure opportunities to be active are accessible, inclusive and firmly embedded in the places people live, work and learn.” 

    Councillor Lynne Bowen, Leisure, Health and Community Engagement Portfolio Holder for Wyre Council adds: “We’re proud to be working with Active Lancashire on the Place Universal Offer, which aligns perfectly with our Wyre Moving More ambition to make physical activity a natural part of everyday life. This partnership supports our wider ambitions to improve health, reduce inequalities and build stronger, more connected communities where everyone has the chance to thrive through movement.” 

    Alongside targeted work in these priority places, Active Lancashire will also provide county-wide support. This will include helping organisations and communities engage with Sport England’s funded programmes, sharing national campaigns that inspire people to move more, and offering a wide range of digital resources and training opportunities. 

    The Place Universal Offer work is set to begin this autumn, with colleagues already forming connections in local areas to understand the barriers residents face towards movement. To find out more or get involved, contact office@activelancashire.org.uk or please look at Support to unite sector in place-based work | Sport England

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    Local families to back new campaign to keep kids active in Lancashire – as two thirds of local parents expect children’s physical activity to drop this winter

    • Over half of children aren’t getting the recommended 60 minutes of daily activity, with levels set to drop this autumn and winter; and 8 in 10 parents in Lancashire underestimate how much movement kids need.
    • Government launches ‘Let’s Move!’, a new campaign supported by Sport England, to help keep families active together year round, with targeted areas across Lancashire among the pilot regions.
    • The campaign is backed by local families who feature in the campaign. The national campaign is also supported by Alex and Olivia Bowen, Max Whitlock, Beth Tweddle, and Joe Wicks, who has shared top tips for parents getting active with children.

    Two thirds (66%) of parents in Lancashire say their children’s physical activity levels are likely to suffer a seasonal dip during autumn and winter, with cold or wet weather (43%) and darker evenings (38%) highlighted as the key barriers in new research findings.

    To tackle inactivity and help families keep children moving all year-round, the Government has launched ‘Let’s Move!’ in Lancashire, a new campaign supported by Sport England that aims to help parents discover simple, fun, and pressure-free ways to build movement into daily life, which can start with just 10 minutes of activity. 

    NHS guidance recommends that children get at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day, including 30 minutes outside of school hours. Yet the new survey reveals that 80%[1] of parents in Lancashire underestimate how much physical activity children need. Already, more than half of children in England aren’t getting the recommended amount of movement and, worryingly, the research shows this will increase during the colder months.

    ‘Let’s Move!’ is being piloted in targeted areas of Sandwell, Lancashire, Essex and Bradford where inactivity levels and inequalities are greater than other parts of the country. These areas all receive funding from Sport England via their place partnership programme, to ensure those in greatest need can be active.

    Supported by Joe Wicks, the ‘Let’s Move!’ campaign makes staying active easy and affordable, offering ideas from kitchen discos to local activities and playground fun. It encourages families to move together, 87% of parents in Lancashire believe their habits influence their child’s activity levels, and highlights how everyday routines can support healthy, active lifestyles.  Regular movement boosts mood, focus, and family connections, with 76% of parents in Lancashire agreeing that their child is happier after being active, has more energy (68%) and has better concentration (71%).  

    ‘Let’s Move!’ aims to support different ways for children to enjoy being active – from sport to play and everyday movement. The campaign features real families from across Lancashire and other regions having fun getting active together in ways which suit them, such as dancing or playing in the playground. Their images are featured in out-of-home and social channels in the local areas to inspire others to visit nhs.uk/LetsMove for tips, local activities and inspiration.

    Sports Minister Stephanie Peacock said: “Building a more active nation is a huge part of this Government’s Plan for Change and we want to show families all over the country just how many ways there are to get involved.

    “Whether it’s dancing, playing team sport or playing in the playground with their friends, we know that children who get at least an hour of exercise a day experience so many benefits – they’re happier, healthier and focus better at school.

    “I am determined that every child, whatever their circumstances, should have those opportunities.”

    Charline from Blackpool, who features in the out of home advertising campaign with her two children, said: “We’re not a traditionally sporty family, but family cycles on the beach and swimming at our local leisure club has been an incredible way for my kids to get moving. It’s something they genuinely enjoy, and it doesn’t feel like exercise – it feels like play! It’s now part of our weekly routine. This movement has boosted their confidence, helped them sleep better, and even improved their focus at school. It’s shown us that movement can be joyful, simple, and something we look forward to doing all together, which is what the ‘Let’s Move!’ campaign is all about.” 

    Angela from Burnley, who also features in the advertising with her two children, said: “As the darker nights set in, it can be a challenge to keep the kids motivated to move. But we’ve discovered that even the simplest activities – like long walks, ParkPlay, or dancing around the kitchen – make a big difference. They help keep our children active, boost their mood, and improve their focus. That’s why we’re proud to support the ‘Let’s Move!’ campaign – it’s all about making movement fun and accessible for every family.”

    Cllr Jo Farrell, Cabinet Member for Communities and Wellbeing, said: “We’re proud to support the ‘Let’s Move!’ campaign here in Blackpool. Being active isn’t just about fitness-it’s about feeling good, connecting with others, and improving our wellbeing together. Whether it’s a walk in the park, dancing at home, or joining a local group, every movement counts. We’re committed to helping residents find fun, accessible ways to move more and feel better.” 

    The campaign is part of the Government’s wider effort to break down barriers to physical activity for people all over the country. Already, more than £900 million has been committed to build grassroots facilities in the places that need them most and deliver a pipeline of major sports events that inspire the nation. Alongside this, the new School Sport Partnerships and Enrichment Framework will ensure all young people have equal access to high-quality sport and extracurricular activity. Sport England evidence shows that improved health from participation in sport and physical activity relieves pressure on the NHS through £10.5 billion a year in health and social care savings.

    While over half (57%) of parents in Lancashire say their children really enjoy traditional forms of sport, others face barriers such as low confidence (31%) or a dislike of competitiveness (30%).  However,  94% of parents in Lancashire say their children enjoy physical play as a form of movement, with top activities including visiting the playground (43%), riding a bike (31%), dancing (51%) and playing tag or chase (33%).

    Parents and TV personalities Alex and Olivia Bowen launched the wider campaign in Essex alongside inspiring local families, demonstrating that movement really can be for everyone. Olympic champions Beth Tweddle and Max Whitlock led activities at the event, including dance challenges to obstacle courses, as families shared how they’ve been inspired to get active this winter.

    Joe Wicks, who got the nation moving during ‘PE With Joe’, is backing the campaign following the success of his animated workout series Activate, which was supported by a cross-section of government departments including DCMS, DfE and DHSC. The series aims to make fitness fun for kids with short five-minute animated workouts. He shares new top tips as part of the ‘Let’s Move!’ campaign to help families slot activity into their everyday life, including being a role model, exploring local activities and getting outside whatever the weather.

    The campaign supports the Government’s Health Mission, which prioritises preventative health measures, including addressing physical inactivity. Sport England data also shows significant inequalities remain in activity levels, with Black (42%) and Asian (43%) children and young people, and those from the least affluent families (45%), still less likely to play sport or be physically active than the average across all ethnicities and affluence groups.

    [1] 80% of parents in Lancashire think children should be doing less than 60 minutes of physical activity daily as a minimum

    Newsbyadmin

    High Sheriff and Mayor of Pendle Visit Local Youth Employment Service

    Pendle YES Hub, a Youth Employment and Support service for young people based in Nelson, recently showcased their services to the High Sheriff of Lancashire and the Mayor of Pendle.


    The visit offered a first-hand look at the provision which the Hub and its partners provide to young people aged 16-24 who are not in education, employment or training. During their visit, the High Sheriff and Mayor were able to learn more about the YES Hub’s bike hire library, a free service which enables individuals aged 18 or over to borrow a bike for up to one month, regardless of whether or not they currently access the YES Hub’s services.

    The pair were also able to connect with participants of the YES Hub to learn more about the provision which it offers, including a series of free, weekly activities designed to boost young peoples’ wellbeing including a weekly gym and swim session thanks to Pendle Wavelengths. The YES Hub also offers one-to-one provision including mental health support and jobseeking advice, and can also provide young people with access to free training and support opportunities.

    High Sheriff of Lancashire, Jim Carter DL, who has been much involved with the Youth Zone movement in Lancashire  a charity supporting young people, was impressed by the YES Hub’s offering and is keen to support them during his year in office: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my two visits to Pendle Yes Hub. As a great supporter of helping young people realise their potential, I am really impressed with the support that is being given by the group of dedicated staff and volunteers.”

    Also present during the visit was Tesco Burnley Community Champion, Muhkatar, who shared how he has been working with the YES Hub over the last twelve months to provide essential hygiene and food donations for participants who are at-risk of homelessness. More recently, Muhkatar supported the YES Hub in accessing Tesco’s Stronger Starts scheme, which resulted in a £1000 donation to the youth support hub.

    With this donation, the YES Hub is set to take a group of young people – many of whom have never left Nelson before – on an educational visit to York this Christmastime, where they will visit key historical sites including the Jorvick Viking Centre.

    To help young people enjoy their trip even further, Muhkatar kindly donated electrical items for the YES Hub to raffle off, the proceeds from which will be gifted to young people to spend at one of York’s many shops, including the festive markets. To enter the raffle, please click here.

    The YES Hub works alongside various local stakeholders and partners to deliver its provision, including Positive Action in the Community and the Department for Work and Pensions. The YES Hub is ran by Active Lancashire on behalf of Pendle Borough Council, and receives funding through the Nelson Town Deal, and is open 10AM – 4PM Monday to Friday.

    For more information about Pendle YES Hub or to access its services, please email office@activelancashire.org.uk or call 07465 759911

    Newsbyadmin

    Active Lancashire launches “Fresh Wheels” – a community fruit & veg stall promoting health, skills, and sustainability in Rossendale

    Active Lancashire, in partnership with Rossendale Borough Council, is launching Fresh Wheels – a new community-led fruit and vegetable stall. Running every Friday from 31st October 2025 to 23rd January 2026 at Haslingden Market, Fresh Wheels will bring fresh, affordable produce to local residents while promoting healthy lifestyles, sustainability, and skill development through volunteering.

    The initiative aims to make it easier for the community to access affordable, high-quality produce while encouraging active travel. Shoppers will be able to earn discounts through the “Walk, Wheel & Save” scheme, which rewards those who travel to the stall by walking, cycling, or wheeling. The stall will also feature a Smoothie Bike Station, where visitors can pedal their own smoothies and learn about the benefits of staying active.

    Managed by mentors from Rossendale Works, Active Lancashire’s Employability Programme, the project will provide volunteering opportunities for local residents, particularly those facing barriers to employment. Volunteers will gain hands-on experience in retail, budgeting, marketing, and customer service, supported by ongoing training and mentoring throughout the 12-week programme. The experience aims to build confidence, develop practical skills, and improve employment prospects for participants.

    Fresh Wheels is also committed to supporting the local economy and protecting the environment. Wherever possible, produce will be locally sourced, and the stall will use reusable packaging, composting, and eco-friendly delivery methods, with any surplus produce donated to local food banks and community schemes. Regular customers will be able to take part in the “Pedal Points” scheme, rewarding repeat visits and encouraging continued engagement in active, sustainable living.

    Beyond its initial 12-week pilot, Fresh Wheels aims to demonstrate a sustainable, community-led model for promoting health, wellbeing, and employability. Active Lancashire and Rossendale Borough Council will explore options for long-term sustainability through sponsorships, grants, and potential expansion across Rossendale.

    Paul Becouarn, Project Lead at Rossendale Works, said: “Fresh Wheels is more than just a market stall – it’s a movement towards a healthier, more connected community. By combining fresh food, active travel, and skills development, we’re helping local people take positive steps for their wellbeing and future.

     “This initiative shows how local partnerships can make a real difference. Fresh Wheels brings affordable produce, new opportunities, and a renewed sense of community energy to Haslingden Market.”

    Fresh Wheels launches on Friday 31st October 2025 at Haslingden Market and will run every Friday for 12 weeks until 23rd January 2026. For more information, email volunteering@activelancashire.org.uk

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    • Excellent

      James Rasmussen

      Still a great place with hard working staff to get the inactive active.

      Kristy Telford

      Great people willing to engage sport for all

      Marcus Baudet

      Great place

      Tamasin Lamb

    Active Lancashire Limited is a Company Limited by Guarantee Registered in England and Wales Company No: 06859894 and Registered Charity no. 1159832. 

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