Active Minds named a Community Champion in Ashfield
A groundbreaking new scheme offering unsung heroes support from local leisure facilities in Ashfield has announced its successful applicant.
Award-winning leisure operator Everyone Active, which runs Lammas Leisure Centre in partnership with Ashfield District Council, launched Community Champions to support projects which are tackling local issues and changing lives.
People involved in mentoring, promoting health and wellbeing, supporting inclusivity or leading environmental or cultural projects were encouraged to apply.
The award-winning operator wants to play its part in building stronger communities and recognising the dedication of those who go above and beyond.
The successful applicant was Active Minds, which works with individuals with poor mental health and neurodiverse conditions, with the objective of providing a safe and supportive space for these individuals to train and achieve their potential. The programme has delivered numerous achievements such as increased social mobility, confidence and self-esteem, a sense of achievement and belonging.
Active Minds will secure valuable use of facilities within Lammas Leisure Centre, to help them carry out their work. Everyone Active will raise awareness of this work to strengthen connections, encourage civic engagement and foster a culture of giving back.
Active Minds is also eligible to be shortlisted for the annual Everyone Active Champions Awards.
Simon Morgan, Everyone Active’s Area Contract Manager, said: “We are hugely excited to support Active Minds, which we hope will make a real difference in Ashfield.
“We want to highlight the work of everyday heroes who are changing people’s lives and inspiring others to make a positive impact in their communities.
“Active Minds is the perfect fit for us and we are delighted to welcome them into the Community Champions fold.”
Graeme Wheatley, Health and Wellbeing Director at Active Minds, said: “We are delighted to be named as a Community Champion for Ashfield. Lammas Leisure Centre has amazing facilities that augment our core support proposition. Being named as a Community Champion will allow us to support our users with more diverse wellbeing programmes, to match their individual needs.”
Cllr Chris Huskinson, Executive Lead for Leisure, Health and Wellbeing, said: “We’re proud to support initiatives like Active Minds through the Community Champions scheme. Their work aligns perfectly with our commitment to improving mental health, inclusivity and wellbeing across Ashfield. This partnership is a fantastic example of how local organisations can come together to make a real difference.”
Everyone Active also runs the Sporting Champions scheme, which empowers aspiring athletes to achieve their full potential through access to state-of-the-art training facilities and invaluable mentoring support from Olympians and Paralympians.
Since its inception in 2016, the scheme has elevated the sporting careers of more than 6,000 athletes by providing them with free access to Everyone Active's 230-plus leisure centres nationwide.