Founded by local resident Jodie Smith in 2016, Sowerby Bridge Snails Running Club was created for those seeking a running group that’s more about community than Lycra or intense training. Now one of the most inclusive and supportive clubs in Calderdale, the Snails welcome runners of all abilities—from total beginners to seasoned marathon runners—in a relaxed and friendly environment.

Calderdale’s Leisure Services are undergoing significant improvements to make physical activity more accessible for everyone. With support from Active Calderdale, Leisure Services is introducing innovative systems and enhanced facilities designed to create better conditions for priority groups to stay active and healthy.

Here’s what’s happening and why it matters.

Nestled in the heart of Calderdale, Sowerby Walkers & Ramblers is more than just a walking group; it’s a thriving community built on the simple yet powerful idea that walking can change lives.

This summer, Active Calderdale teamed up with North Halifax Partnership, Newground Together, and Holmfield Bowling Club for an inspiring six-week social action programme in Beechwood Park.

In August 2024 the Wild Walk and History Hike were installed following various steps of co-design and co-production. Each trail is just over 1km long, making them approachable and inviting for everyone to try. An interpretation board has been installed at the start of the trail followed by 12 wooden posts which guide you around the circular routes.

This summer, Family Support Services ran a fun competition in July and August to see which families and staff could complete the most "active visits"—encouraging everyone to get moving and stay active!

Active-Eat offers group and 1-on-1 sessions to help people manage their health conditions through a mix of mindfulness, gentle movement, and relaxation. Founder Jenny Oakenfull leads pain management classes in Bradford, Halifax, and online, specifically designed for those living with arthritis, chronic pain, and other musculoskeletal conditions.

Over the past 18 months, we have made great strides in improving our practices and processes in support of creating environments that will make being active easy and attractive for our residents.

Following the adoption of our local plan, which sets out a strong policy framework to create active and healthy environments, we have been creating and implementing further documents,  processes, and ways of working to enable these policies to be implemented into practice.

Active Parks is driving system change by adopting a collaborative, community-led approach to improving parks and green spaces. It puts communities at the heart of planning and decision-making for park improvements and investments.

Key changes in practice:

Continuing from our recent blog on Light Up BACH, we’re diving deeper into the direct impact of integrating physical activity into their programmes for members. Discover Francis’ story below!

To read the original blog with Light Up BAHC, visit here.