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NewsbyRachel

Active Lancashire responds to Lancashire Local Government Reorganisation 

Active Lancashire has responded to today’s Government announcement on Local Government Reorganisation in Lancashire, which sets out proposals to replace the county’s current 15-council structure with four new unitary authorities, subject to Parliamentary approval.

Under the proposed model, the new unitary areas would be:

  • North Lancashire, covering Lancaster, Preston and Ribble Valley
  • West Lancashire, covering Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre
  • East Lancashire, covering Blackburn with Darwen, Burnley, Hyndburn, Pendle and Rossendale
  • South Lancashire, covering Chorley, South Ribble and West Lancashire.

The Government has confirmed that elections to shadow councils are expected to take place in May 2027, with the new councils due to go live on 1 April 2028. For now, existing councils will continue to deliver services, with no immediate changes to how residents and communities access support.

Active Lancashire recognises the scale and significance of this change for local government, public services, communities and partners across the county. As Lancashire prepares for a new local authority landscape, Active Lancashire will continue to champion the role of physical activity, movement and sport in creating healthier, fairer and more resilient communities.

The announcement comes as Active Lancashire continues to deliver its refreshed Decade of Movement strategy, which sets out a shared ambition to make movement part of everyday life and reduce the inequalities that prevent too many people from being active. The strategy focuses on people-first approaches, place-based working, system change, equity and inclusion.

Active Lancashire believes Local Government Reorganisation presents an important opportunity to embed prevention, wellbeing, active environments and community voice into the design of future public services.

Adrian Leather, Chief Executive of Active Lancashire, said: “Today’s announcement marks a significant moment for Lancashire and for the systems that support health, wellbeing and community life.

“While structures may change, our mission remains clear. Active Lancashire will continue working with local authorities, health partners, voluntary and community organisations, education providers, clubs, volunteers and residents to help more people move more, live well and thrive.

“As new arrangements develop, it will be vital that local voice, prevention, active environments and health inequalities remain central to future decision-making. Every place in Lancashire has its own strengths, challenges and community assets, and future systems must reflect that local reality.

“Physical activity is not just about sport or leisure. It is fundamental to health, social connection, confidence, skills, employment, education, the environment and the wider economy. We are ready to support partners across the proposed new unitary areas to ensure movement is embedded into everyday life, services and places.”

Active Lancashire will continue to work across the whole county, supporting partners through the transition and helping to maintain strong local relationships. Its role as a countywide strategic lead for physical activity and sport will be particularly important in the coming months, helping to connect insight, share learning and support collaboration across the proposed new council footprints.

NewsbyRachel

Updated UK CMO Physical Activity Guidelines shows every movement counts for better health

Updated UK Chief Medical Officers’ Physical Activity Guidelines find even small amounts of physical activity benefit health
Latest evidence highlights the importance of incorporating strength and balance activities throughout life, including those on GLP-1 agonists including for people taking GLP-1 diabetes and weight loss drugs.
Evidence is stronger than ever, showing health benefits increase with more time spent active, however the biggest gains in health are in moving from inactivity to any level of activity 

The UK Chief Medical Officers have today published refreshed Physical Activity Guidelines, showing evidence continues to build that regular movement, no matter how small, can have significant benefits for people’s physical and mental health. 

The updated guidance reflects the latest scientific evidence on physical activity and sedentary behaviour, finding the existing recommended activity levels across all age groups to remain accurate. Findings include a renewed emphasis on the health benefits of light-intensity activity, reducing prolonged periods of sitting, and including strength and balance exercises as part of everyday life. Those on GLP-1 agonist drugs to combat obesity need to maintain muscle strength. 

The guidelines cover all stages of life, including children and young people, adults, older adults, disabled people and women during pregnancy and after birth. They reinforce the message that building activity into everyday routines can help improve health and wellbeing. The new evidence base on the positive effects of physical activity in women is stronger than in previously. 

Regular physical activity plays an important role in reducing the risk of a range of many long-term conditions, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and some cancers, while also supporting good mental health and wellbeing. By helping people build movement into everyday life, the refreshed guidance supports the government’s ambition to shift healthcare from treating illness to preventing it. 

The refreshed guidance also recognises that physical activity does not need to take place in long or structured sessions to have a positive impact. Walking to the shops, wheeling, taking the stairs, dancing, gardening, active play and household tasks can all contribute towards improving health when carried out regularly. 

The UK CMOs, Professor Chris Whitty, Professor Michael McBride, Professor Gregor Smith and Professor Isabel Oliver, said: 
“We are delighted to be publishing the updated UK CMO physical activity guidelines, with new and stronger supporting evidence on the key role physical activity plays in improving and maintaining health in adults. The evidence has strengthened for women. Evidence continues to show that if physical activity were a drug, we would refer to it as a miracle cure, due to the great many illnesses it can prevent or treat. It is now clear that even small amounts of physical activity produce important benefits compared to none, and the benefits steadily increase up to the recommended 150 minutes a week. 

“The evidence of the need to maintain strength and balance as we age, which may require different sorts of physical activity,  including those on GLP1-agonist drugs for weight management or diabetes has strengthened. 

“New evidence also highlights the benefits of physical activity for health far outweigh the risks in many groups who might be concerned about this, including for people living with disability and most long-term conditions.” 

Alongside the publication, the Department of Health and Social Care is releasing a suite of updated resources, including infographics and communications materials, to help organisations promote the guidance consistently. These resources are intended to support professionals working across health, education, local government, sport and the voluntary sector to encourage people to build movement into their daily lives in ways that work for them. 

The updated evidence reinforces that making small, sustainable changes can deliver meaningful health benefits over time, supporting healthier lives and helping to prevent a range of long-term health conditions. 

Chris Boardman, Chair of Sport England, said:  “Physical activity is one of the closest things we have to a wonder cure. Whether it’s a walk to the shops, a bike ride, a jog or a game of football, moving more improves our physical and mental health, helps us stay independent for longer, and connects us with the people and places around us. 

“Making it easier and more enjoyable to be active, especially for those who need it most, has the power to change lives. It strengthens families, communities and, ultimately, our nation. These updated guidelines give people clear, evidence-based advice on what we’re aiming for and how to build more movement into everyday life. They will play an important role in helping more people enjoy the benefits of being active, creating a healthier, happier and more resilient nation.” 

Andy Taylor, CEO of the Active Partnerships National Organisation, said:  ”These refreshed guidelines are a reflection of the growing evidence that all movement is beneficial, but they also remind us that the greatest opportunity lies in supporting those people who are currently the least active.  

“By listening to communities, understanding the specific barriers that people face in different places, and collaborating with them to find solutions that work for them, we can help more people benefit from being active. 

“Across England, the Active Partnerships Network connects and collaborates with partners in different sectors such as health, local government, education, transport, the voluntary sector, as well as community sports organisations and local communities, turning national guidance into local action.  

“Together, we can use this evidence and the guidelines to reduce health inequalities, build healthier communities, and ensure more people have the opportunity to lead active lives.” 

NewsbyRachel

GRAND DÉPART GB LAUNCHES READINESS TO WORK EMPLOYABILITY PROGRAMME

The historic twin Grands Départs of the Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift from Britain in 2027 will showcase through a Readiness to Work programme how mega sporting events can create significant opportunities for young people to gain real life work experience.

The launch of Grand Départ GB’s Readiness to Work programme, delivered by British Cycling, will allow 18- to 25-year-olds to gain real life work experience through volunteering at the Grands Départs, coming at a time when recent government commissioned reports have stated that one million young people are not in education, employment or training, and among 24-year-olds, 45% have never had a job, yet 80% want to work.

This workforce and skills development programme combined with real life major event experience at the Grands Départs, including but not limited to employability and readiness training designed to help build the skills, confidence and knowledge needed to move into employment, and training focussed on turning the volunteering experience into transferrable skills to use within future jobs and job applications.

The Readiness to Work programme will see 300 young people, who apply to be JOY Maker volunteers, trained in employability skills including application readiness (CV and interviews), resilience, financial education and personal brand, as well as receiving three months of mentoring with a professional in sectors such as sport and performance, event management, professional services, and marketing and communications.

British Cycling Chief Executive Jon Dutton and young volunteers, discussing the Readiness to Work programme.

Commenting on the Readiness to Work programme, Jon Dutton OBE, Chief Executive of British Cycling, said; “We know there are more than one million 16- to 24-year-olds not in employment, education or training, and for many of those, 84%, want to change that. We want to address some of the employability challenges.

“This offers an opportunity for young people to come and enjoy a mega sporting event, but also to build confidence, resilience and to get skills that will benefit getting them into employment.”

To find out more about the Readiness to Work programme, visit the website at letourgb.com/readiness-to-work

The programme is a part of British Cycling’s JOY social impact programme for Grand Départ GB, that will create positive social change both on and oƯ the bike through six programmes: girl’s participation; soft power, trade & diplomacy; arts & culture; digital schools; a community engagement toolkit; and the Readiness to Work employability programme.


Fancy being a part of the historic 2027 Grands Départs? Anyone aged 16+ can sign up now to be a JOY Maker volunteer at letourgb.com/volunteer

UncategorizedbyRachel

One year of Leading the Movement

Leading the Movement, funded by The National Lottery, is a Sport England programme designed for leaders, by leaders. It aims to create a diverse, thriving community of leaders who are supported, empowered, skilled and united in the movement to tackle inequalities in sport and physical activity.

Explore the Leading the Movement website to find out more about the learning opportunities offered, including:

If you’re interested in getting involved, please take a look at their website www.leadingthemovement.org to find out more.

NewsbyRachel

£1bn boost to PE and school sport to end fitness postcode lottery

More young people will have access to high quality PE and school sport under the government’s new PE and School Sport Partnerships Network, which will bring national sporting expertise into every primary and secondary school to tackle inactivity. 

The government is investing over £1 billion in school sport over the next three years, including funding for the new Partnerships Network, improvements to school sports facilities and support for primary schools as we move to the new approach. 

Backed by £580 million and set to be fully up and running from Spring 2027, the Network will replace the existing PE and Sport Premium and put an end to the one-size fits all model that has failed too many children for too long, while meeting the ask of leading voices in sports education. 

Responding to longstanding calls from schools, a further almost £200 million will go towards improving school sporting facilities, which could be used to make facilities more accessible for children with SEND or additional equipment, alongside a one-off £100 million PE Premium payment to support primary schools during the transition year. 

Less than half of young people get the 60 minutes of activity a day they need – with girls, those with SEND and those from disadvantaged backgrounds impacted the most, and by the time children reach the end of primary school, 1 in 5 are living with obesity, despite successive governments investing billions through the PE Premium over the past decade. 

The shift is part of the Education Secretary’s wider school reforms, with children getting a broader and richer education, including greater emphasis on the importance of sport and music and also builds on the government’s ambition to help raise the healthiest generation ever. 

Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, said: “This government was elected to give more children the opportunity to get on – no matter where they live. That starts with a richer school experience: not just academic subjects, but music, art, drama and, of course, sport. 

“School sport builds confidence, belonging and wellbeing: priceless gifts that put kids on the path to getting on in life – and can even uncover the elite sports stars of the future. 

“Yet too many children have been missing out. Our new approach will see every child – across both primary and secondary – more physically active regardless of their circumstances, background, ability or where they go to school.” 

The new model will modernise the approach that operated successfully in the early 2000s before being scrapped in 2011 by the then-government. Ofsted recognised in 2011 that School Sport Partnerships improved access, participation and school-club links. 

Sport England chief executive, Simon Hayes, said: “We welcome the Government’s continued commitment to school sport and PE, and this investment will help more children and young people experience the many benefits that sport and physical activity can bring.

“This funding, which includes significant investment in facilities, has the potential to create lasting benefits for schools and communities by improving the places where children and young people can get active and enjoy sport, while helping tackle inequalities in access to physical activity.

“Creating positive experiences for children and young people is key to helping them build lifelong habits, while supporting their physical health, mental wellbeing and social development.

“Sport England is looking forward to working closely with schools and partners to help ensure this funding creates more opportunities for children and young people to get active, enjoy sport and build confidence through being active.”

NewsbyRachel

England is getting more active, but inequalities remain

New national data from Sport England shows that more people in England are taking part in sport and physical activity than ever before. Participation continues to rise and over 30 million adults are now meeting the recommended levels of physical activity, highlighting the positive impact that sport and movement can have on health and wellbeing across the country.

This progress reflects ongoing recovery from the pandemic and sustained efforts across the sport and physical activity sector. Activities such as fitness, gym‑based exercise and walking continue to grow in popularity, helping many people to build physical activity into their everyday lives.

However, the latest Active Lives data also reinforces a clear message that not everyone is benefiting equally from this progress. Significant inequalities remain, particularly for people living in less affluent areas, disabled people and those with long‑term health conditions, older adults, women and people from some ethnic backgrounds, who are all still less likely to be active.

The data also shows that the gap between the most and least active communities is widening over time, with growth strongest in more affluent areas. This underlines the importance of place‑based approaches that focus on reducing barriers to being active and supporting communities facing the greatest challenges.

At Active Lancashire, we recognise how closely these national trends reflect the challenges and opportunities we see locally. We are currently reviewing the findings in detail to understand what they mean specifically for Lancashire. Lancashire‑level insights, including how activity patterns vary across our communities and priority groups, will be shared once this review is complete.

Tackling inequalities in physical activity requires collective action. We are committed to working alongside partners across Lancashire to ensure that everyone has fair access to opportunities to be active, regardless of where they live or their circumstances.

NewsbyRachel

Danceathon: 21 Days of Dance

A collaboration of charities across the North, including Down Syndrome Groups and inclusive dance organisations, is launching Danceathon: 21 Days of Dance, a mass‑participation campaign celebrating that everyone can enjoy dancing, regardless of age or ability.

This is an opportunity for local organisations, schools, workplaces, and community groups to get involved and share with their audiences.

What is Danceathon?

A 21‑day challenge (1st to 21st March) encouraging people to build movement into daily life, from tapping your feet at your desk to joining a local dance group, learning a routine online, or taking part in a workplace challenge.

Who is it for?

Everyone. The campaign is fully inclusive and designed to be accessible for all ages and abilities.

Content You Can Share With Your Audience

Daily Invitations to Move

From 1st to the 21st March, the organisers will release daily online audio and video prompts to inspire small moments of movement. These have been created by choreographer George Adams (Let People Move) and animated by Courtney McCarthy.

Organisations are welcome to share these via their newsletters, social media, or internal comms.

Local radio stations are also invited to air the audio prompts. Contact Debs Thompson danceathon2026@gmail.com or call 07517 916866.

Dance Snacks Shareable Short Videos

The team has created a collection of short, accessible dance videos (“Dance Snacks”) that challenge perceptions around disability and dance. These involve creative collaborations with musicians and dancers from Brazil, Lancaster, and across the North West.

You can follow and share content via:

Why 21 Days?

The campaign highlights how small, daily actions can form new habits while also celebrating chromosome 21, marking World Down Syndrome Day on 21 March.

Ways Your Organisation Can Get Involved

You can encourage your audiences to:

  1. Set up a fundraising page for a chosen charity or organisation (takes around 3 minutes).
  2. Donate directly to one of the partner charities.
  3. Join local dance events, particularly on 8th March the National Day of Dance.

Organisations can also take part themselves by setting their own 21‑day movement challenge.

Partner Toolkit (Free to Download & Share)

A full set of promotional resources is available, including:

These can all be shared with your communities to help promote the campaign

NewsbyRachel

Move Together Blackpool is working with Sport England so that more people in Blackpool can lead active lives for longer.

Sport England are continuing their partnership with Blackpool by providing £1.3m funding to Move Together Blackpool, a place-based approach designed to change behaviours and promote partnership working to help those in the greatest need become more active.

Blackpool is one of 53 places across the country to benefit from Sport England’s Place Expansion Partnerships, aimed at tackling inactivity and inequalities by making sport, physical activity and movement accessible for everyone.

Move Together Blackpool is a collaboration between Active Lancashire, Blackpool Council, Lancashire and South Cumbria ICB and local voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise organisations (VCFSE) including Blackpool Football Club Community Trust.

Working together, they’re aiming to make Blackpool a healthier community by embedding movement and physical activity into everyday life.

There are a wide variety of both physical and mental health benefits to being active. Educating people on the importance of just small movements every day can make a big difference in creating a healthy lifestyle.

Move Together Blackpool has developed a System Leadership Programme, designed to bring people from across the town together. The programme aims to further participants understanding and approach to collaborative working, with the vision that together we can change systems to better serve the communities they impact. The programme has been attended by over 150 people from 31 organisations so far, with more sessions coming soon.

Move Together Blackpool have four priority areas of work including; Children and Young People, Active Health and Care, System Leadership and Communities. The work will include exploring an ‘Active Schools’ approach across Blackpool and encouraging more movement across the curriculum and the school day. Move Together Blackpool will also be working with healthcare professionals to encourage more confidence in having conversations around the benefits of physical activity and movement as well as increasing awareness of the ‘Active Practices’ charter.

Cllr Jo Farrell, Blackpool Council Cabinet Member for Communities and Wellbeing, said: “We’re delighted to be partnering with Sport England to enable healthier communities in Blackpool. By collaborating with other organisations across the town, we’re working together to create a more active Blackpool. Together we’re taking a bold, brave, and innovative approach to increase physical activity in the town and improve the health and wellbeing of our residents.”

Tina Pilkington, Place Relationship Manager at Sport England added: “As one of our first, new Place Partners we’ve seen first-hand the strong foundations that have been built over the past 18 months in Blackpool. With political, strategic and partner leadership support, we’ve seen a real shift in local collaboration, connectivity and alignment of wider outcomes and priorities to help more people in Blackpool to be active. We are therefore really excited to continue to support and work alongside Blackpool colleagues over the next few years to witness significant and positive impact on Blackpool’s communities and residents.”

The funding received from Sport England will enable the place-based approach to run until March 2028, to help improve health and wellbeing across the town. To find out more about Move Together Blackpool or for more information on the System Leadership Courses, please contact Kerenza.Harper@blackpool.gov.uk.

NewsbyRachel

Pendle YES Hub showcases its services to Burnley MP

Staff from local youth employment service, Pendle YES Hub, recently welcomed Burnley MP, Oliver Ryan, to learn more about the services and opportunities they provide for young people in the area.

The visit provided a first-hand insight into the Hub’s impactful initiatives for local youth who are seeking employment and support, whilst allowing the MP to meet young people who have benefited directly from the Hub’s services.

During his tour, Oliver explored several of the Hub’s key facilities that play a vital role in supporting local young people. He began in the Boxing Gym, where the Box Champions programme, from Empire Fighting Chance, helps participants to build confidence and resilience through sport, before visiting the Games Room – a relaxed space used for both recreation and one-to-one sessions that help new participants feel more comfortable engaging with staff. The tour concluded with the Bike Hire Library, an initiative funded by Pendle Borough Council in partnership with Active Cycles, and offers free bike hire for up to one month, encouraging physical activity and providing a sustainable travel option for work, training, or leisure.

Oliver also met with several young people who are currently using the YES Hub, hearing first-hand how the support provided has transformed their lives. One such individual is Aaron Hipgrave-Lewis, who began to access the YES Hub in October 2023 following a referral from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). Since joining, Aaron has launched a career as a musician and recently released his first EP. He now volunteers twice a week at the YES Hub, giving back by teaching guitar lessons to other young attendees.

‘Pendle YES Hub shows the real difference local investment can make for young people. From building confidence through sport to helping them take their first steps into work, the team are transforming lives. It’s exactly the kind of community-led support this Labour government is determined to back – creating opportunity and hope across our towns.’

Burnley MP, Oliver Ryan on visiting Pendle YES Hub

The tour concluded with Oliver meeting DWP staff based at the Hub to learn more about its holistic support model – which combines wellbeing activities with practical employment guidance to help young people move closer to education, training, or work.

He also met with Youth Engagement Worker, Mehvish Ashraf, who shared her excitement on the potential of future collaboration with the MP. She said: “It was great to welcome Oliver to the YES Hub and showcase some of the services that we offer. It’s clear that Oliver cares deeply about supporting young people in accessing employment and training opportunities, so we’re really excited to see what the future holds for our relationship with him and look at different ways we can collaborate to achieve our shared mission.”

Pendle YES Hub is a one-stop-shop for Pendle’s young people ran by Active Lancashire. The service is funded by Positive Action in the Community, The Department for Work and Pensions and Pendle Borough Council, alongside a range of local partners who provide free courses, social activities, mental health support and more.

The Hub is designed to build the confidence, health and wellbeing of people aged 16 – 24, and to boost their employability through skills training and work experience. Pendle YES Hub is based at 39-41 Scotland Road, Nelson, BB9 7UT and is open Monday to Friday, 9am – 3.30pm.

More information about Pendle YES Hub can be found at: www.activelancashire.org.uk/projects/pendle-yes-hub

NewsbyRachel

Active Lancashire welcomes three new independent board members

Active Lancashire is thrilled to announce the appointment of three new professionals to its board as independent members: Zaynab Jogi, Nigel Murray, and Georgina Roby. Each brings a wealth of expertise and passion to help the charity drive positive change in local communities.

Zaynab “Zee” Jogi

Zee Jogi (L) pictured with Active Lancashire Board Member Joanna Robinson (R) and Former High Sheriff of Lancashire Helen Bingley (C)

Zaynab, known to many as Zee, is a Blackburn and Lancashire-based community leader, adventurer, and charity founder. She made history as the first British Muslim woman to achieve two Guinness World Records on Mount Kilimanjaro, conquering both the gruelling trek to Uhuru Peak Basecamp (5,364m) and a demanding obstacle course at 5,644m alongside 45 athletes from 26 countries.

Six years ago, she founded Z’s Defence Academy, a charity focused on breaking down mental health barriers for people of all ages through sport, outdoor pursuits, self-defence, and volunteering. At its heart, the Academy helps vulnerable women build resilience, confidence, and life skills to lead independent and fulfilling lives.

Zee said: “Our aim is to inspire people to achieve through adventure and to conquer their fears. By overcoming obstacles and maximising their potential, they can enrich the perception of generations. The charity’s mission is to engage, educate, and empower.”

With 17 years of volunteering experience, Zee is also a qualified fitness instructor, boxing coach, mixed martial artist, and the only British female self-defence course instructor in the North West.

Nigel Murray

Nigel is the Managing Director of Booths, the Northern family-owned retailer with 25 stores and over 175 years of history. Since joining in 2015, he has played a pivotal role on the Booths Board and Executive team, while also contributing nationally as a member of DEFRA’s Food & Drink Sector Council and Chair of the Food Resilience Industry Roundtable.

A Blackburn native and proud Northerner, Nigel began his career in food retailing with Safeway, Tetley, Asda, and Greggs. He is also a Trustee of The Creative Health Trust UK, a Commissioner for Yorkshire’s Fix Our Food Commission, and an Ambassador for Lancashire.

Outside his professional career, Nigel is a passionate cyclist and fundraiser. In 2021, he completed the full Tour de France route as part of a team of amateur riders raising over £100,000 for Cure Leukaemia, and under his leadership Booths has committed more than £400,000 to blood cancer research at Blackpool Teaching Hospital.

Georgina Roby

Georgina is a highly experienced strategic senior manager with over 25 years in marketing, communications, and cultural development across the public, private, and charity sectors. A Chartered Marketer with a BA (Hons) in Public Relations, her career began with Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust, where she championed sport, leisure, and culture.

Her later work with Wigan Council included leading award-winning digital strategies and securing £36m in external cultural funding within five years. More recently, she helped deliver a £1.3m arts and cultural programme for the UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 across ten UK host cities.

In June 2025, Georgina joined Lancashire County Council as Head of Cultural Services, and she is one of two nominated officers from LCC on the Active Lancashire Board.

Outside work, Georgina lives in rural West Lancashire with her family. A dedicated yogi with over 20 years’ practice, she is also a member of the Lancashire Wildlife Trust, reflecting her commitment to wellbeing and the natural environment.

Adrian Leather, Chief Executive of Active Lancashire expressed his delight at the new additions, stating: “We are thrilled to welcome Zaynab, Nigel, and Georgina to our Board. They each bring unique skills, experiences, and perspectives that will be invaluable as we continue our mission to reduce inequalities and improve health and wellbeing across Lancashire.

“Their leadership and passion for community will help us continue our mission of embedding movement, sport, and physical activity in the lives of people across our county.”

Find out more about Active Lancashire’s Board and the work they do to support Lancashire
Guest BlogbyRachel

Spencer Clarke Group Donates School Uniforms to a UK Leading Charity

This year marks the second time specialist education recruitment agency, Spencer Clarke Group have teamed up with Home-Start Blackpool, Fylde, and Wyre to provide school uniforms to help low-income families in need. Spencer Clarke Group is an award-winning recruitment agency that operates nationwide. They help schools find experienced teaching and support staff on a daily, temporary, temp-perm and permanent basis.

Launched in 1973, Home-Start Blackpool, Fylde, and Wyre is a UK leading charity which provides support to families with young children. They offer tailored, in-home assistance to help parents build the skills, confidence and strength they need to nurture their children. 

Spencer Clarke Group has donated 190 pieces of school uniforms including 76 shirts, 12 skirts, 12 pairs of trousers, 45 pairs of socks, 4 school bags, 11 pinnafores and 30 jumpers. They have also donated 46 stationary packs to ensure children have the equipment they need to succeed in the classroom.

By working with Home-Start Blackpool, Fylde, and Wyre, Spencer Clarke Group knows that the uniforms and stationery will reach those in the local community who need them most. 

Data from the Department for Education shows that a complete uniform and PE kit costs families an average of £442 for secondary pupils and £343 for those in primary school. Despite statutory guidelines that were brought in two years ago to say schools in England should keep branded clothing to a minimum, parents still find it challenging to pay for school uniforms. 

Education Managing Consultant, Paul Best said “As an ex-Teacher myself, I saw firsthand the struggles families faced with school uniforms so working as part of a business that always do what they can to help schools, students and parents is so rewarding.”

Research by SecEd found that two in five families still struggle to afford school uniforms, which is why donations from businesses like Spencer Clarke Group can make a huge impact. 

Managing Director, Mike Shorrock said “Early childhood experiences have a huge impact on a child’s development and future outcomes. If children don’t have basic essentials – such a clean well-fitted uniform – it could negatively impact them later down the line.”

Mike continued, “Every child deserves to start the school year feeling confident and ready to learn and if we can take away some of the pressure on parents, it’s important for us to do this.” 

Please contact Home-Start Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre on 01253 728615 for dates on when and where they can be collected.

Guest BlogbyRachel

Back to School: Tips for a Strong Start to the Term

The summer holidays are over which means that normality must resume. For teachers, returning to the classroom after a six-week summer break, it can feel overwhelming to get back into the swing of things. However, the start of a new term is a great time to create the right mindset for a successful year ahead. In this guide from education recruitment agency Spencer Clarke Group, you will learn helpful tips to achieve a balanced start to the term, whether you’re an early career teacher or a seasoned pro!

Tips for teachers going back to school

Back to school tips for teachers returning to school, include:

  • Pace yourself.
  • Plan and prepare.
  • Stay positive and enthusiastic.

Pace yourself

As you return to the classroom, you might feel the urge to tackle everything at once. However, it’s important to take your time. Educators who pace themselves effectively are more likely to maintain focus, positivity and resilience throughout the entire term. They are also more likely to avoid burnout.

Teachers manage demanding tasks including lesson planning, meeting parents, marking and teaching the academic syllabus. They need time to stay on top of their workload while fostering a healthy work-life balance and getting to know their students.

Teachers will benefit by establishing a realistic schedule in which to complete responsibilities. By creating a balanced schedule, teachers can maintain the quality of their work, stay organised, and ensure they are giving their best to their students.

Plan and prepare

One of the most important things teachers can do to ensure they start the school year right is to get organised. Educators need to have strong planning and preparation skills to create a structured lesson framework. Effective planning sets clear rules and routines in the classroom, allowing teachers to concentrate on their students and adapt to their needs successfully. It ultimately enhances student understanding and ensures that teachers can create focused and successful learning experiences for all.

For a balanced start to the term, teachers can create their own personal development plans as well as plans for their students.

Effective planning goes beyond classroom strategies and organising supplies. It also involves preparing snacks, lunches, and clothes to wear the night before. This approach allows teachers to avoid the stress of rushing around and start as they mean to go on.

Stay positive and enthusiastic

After a six-week break, teachers are likely feeling refreshed and excited to return to the classroom with renewed motivation. With a positive mindset and enthusiasm for the new term, teachers can inspire their students and create a greater sense of belonging at school.

Being a positive influence and a role model for students at the start of the school year can help create a collaborative culture in this classroom.

Teachers who are positive, supportive and empathetic help pupils feel understood within the classroom. This can enhance performance and foster positive teacher-pupil relationships, resulting in positive outcomes for academic learning, development and wellbeing.

By adopting a positive attitude towards teaching and supporting students, teachers can start the new school year well and create a safe, thriving environment.

What do Teachers need for back to school?

Having a Teacher checklist is crucial to start the new year right. Educators need to feel prepared, and a well-stocked classroom is essential. This includes everything from stationery and supplies to display equipment.

Must-haves classroom supplies for Teachers:

  • Antibacterial wipes.
  • Tissues.
  • Hand sanitiser.
  • Stationary including pens, pencils and whiteboard markers.
  • Stickers.
  • Sticky notes.
  • Paper clips.
  • Labels.
  • Stapler.
  • Notice or bulletin board.
  • Blu tack.
  • Storage bins.
  • Healthy snacks.
  • A water bottle.

Who is Spencer Clarke Group?

Spencer Clarke Group is a specialist education recruitment agency based in the heart of the North West. Operating nationwide, they help schools to find experienced teaching and support staff on a daily, temporary, temp-perm or permanent basis.

After growing exponentially since they launched in 2017, Spencer Clarke Group was named Recruitment Agency of the Year at the 2024 Recruiter Awards.

Case StudybyRachel

Improving Volunteers Basic IT Skills

Volunteers at Active Seconds have been boosting their digital confidence with our free, bite-sized Basic IT Skills course — all without needing to attend in-person sessions. One volunteer shared: “It was a good, easy to follow course,” while another said: “Nice and simple, easy to follow.”

By making learning flexible, accessible, and practical, this course has helped volunteers gain essential IT skills at their own pace, empowering them to support their community and take on new opportunities with confidence.

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  • 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

    Excellent

    James Rasmussen

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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Our Location

  • Office 3-4,
  • Farington House,
  • Lancashire Business Park,
  • Leyland,
  • Lancashire,
  • PR26 6TW

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