Unsung heroes making a difference across North Herts are being urged to step forward for a groundbreaking new scheme offering free support from local leisure centres.
Everyone Active, which runs North Herts Leisure Centre, Hitchin Swimming and Fitness Centre, Fearnhill Sports Centre, Royston Leisure Centre and Letchworth Lido in partnership with North Herts Council; wants to support projects which are tackling local issues and changing lives.
The scheme will also be available at Knights Templar Sports Centre in Baldock, which Everyone Active manages in partnership with The Knights Templar School.
The award-winning operator is due to launch its Community Champions scheme on Thursday, May 1, 2025, with the aim of building stronger communities and recognising the dedication of those who go above and beyond.
People involved in mentoring, promoting health and wellbeing, supporting inclusivity or leading environmental or cultural projects are being encouraged to apply. It can be a charitable initiative or a project that is small or targeted.
Successful applicants will secure valuable use of facilities within their local leisure centres, to help them carry out these projects. Everyone Active will raise awareness of this work to strengthen connections, encourage civic engagement and foster a culture of giving back.
Those selected for the Community Champions scheme are also in with a chance of being shortlisted for the Champions Awards in autumn of this year.
Meanwhile, Everyone Active is also poised to launch its all-new Colleague Champions scheme, which will recognise and reward Everyone Active employees who consistently go above and beyond in their roles.
It will celebrate the provision of exceptional customer service, innovative ideas, teamwork, leadership and dedication to Everyone Active’s values.
Applications for both Community Champions and Colleague Champions open on Thursday, May 1, 2025 and close on Thursday, June 12, 2025. Applications will be submitted via the Champions website at www.ea-champions.com
Mark Leahy, Everyone Active’s regional contract manager, said: “We are hugely excited to launch the Community Champions scheme, which we hope will make a real difference in North Herts.
“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.
“We encourage local people, community projects and charitable initiatives to get their applications in so we can support the fantastic work that you do.”
Sarah Kingsley, Director - Environment, at North Herts Council, said: “We’re excited to see the launch of the Community Champions scheme, which is such a fantastic way to support those who are truly making a difference in North Herts.
“This scheme shines a light on local projects and people doing great things. By providing access to our leisure facilities, we’re hoping to help these initiatives grow and inspire others to get involved too.
“If you know someone or are involved in a project that’s changing lives in our community, we’d love to hear from you!”
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 240-plus leisure centres nationwide.
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