Active Calderdale has recently supported local organisation Active Rainbow, to deliver a series of workshops in the Lower Calder Valley. These workshops were developed to allow volunteers and staff from local community settings to be trained to deliver physical activities for their members. This training has helped to ensure that many community settings that usually involve sitting for long periods, can now be transformed into active sessions.
Shroggs is steeped in history and the Grade II listed park is a prime example of Victorian philanthropy in action. Transformed by mill owner Edward Akroyd as a recreational space for his mill workers, the park opened in 1881 and has been at the heart of the community ever since. The area includes local woodland, a skate park, football pitches, a play park and is home to the popular Halifax parkrun. The park also has diverse tree and plant species which are important for pollinating insects and local wildlife!
Parkinson Lane Primary School is a large three-form entry school in Halifax, West Yorkshire. They were the first Calderdale School to become part of the Creating Active Schools programme in 2021 where staff immediately implemented the concept of active registers with pupils performing simple moves such as heel-raises or squats whilst waiting in line. This resulted in children becoming more aware of how small changes in activity can benefit them and contribute to a healthier lifestyle.
Over the last 12 months, Active Calderdale has been working hard to build a network of like-minded community organisations with a desire to incorporate physical activity into their offering.
St Augustine’s Centre is an independent charity which has been operating for over 50 years in the Park Ward area of Halifax. It specialises in welcoming and supporting people seeking asylum and sanctuary in Calderdale.
In recent months Active Calderdale has been working closely with the children’s charity Invictus Wellbeing at their base in Halifax, West Yorkshire. Invictus know all too well the link between physical activity and improved mental health and were keen to provide opportunities for both the young people they support and staff to be active.
