Fostering Community Connections through Physical Activity in Rastrick

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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. This approach has seen a number of successful community-led projects in Rastrick, such as the Around the World Challenge and the Pole to Pole Challenge, overseen by Community Project Manager Anthony Whittaker. Keen to maintain the momentum and with a focus on the cost of living, Anthony recently rallied the community again to provide family fun sessions at Field Lane Primary School.  

Community Collaboration

There was collaboration between Field Lane Primary School, The Space @ Field Lane, Rastrick Big Local and Active Calderdale. Active Calderdale led on bringing the partners together, which in turn led to the partners communicating details of the project together to ensure it ran smoothly.

The resulting sessions involved a range of fun games for all the family to take part in which was followed by a short trip next door to The Space @ Field Lane. All those who signed up for the project received a free hot meal, drink and pudding. Not only did this provide an opportunity for families to exercise together but it also allowed valuable social time and a nutritious meal. Check out our video below for a taste of what was on offer and the impact made.

Forging Friendships

Following the family fun sessions, new friendships and relationships were forged between families and there was a new appreciation of the services that were on offer to the community. There have also been improved connections between The Space and Field Lane Primary School.

"It's a nice little hour and a half, just to get to know each other a little bit better as well as all the families"

Nathan Taylor - Parent

"I’ve learned a lot of what they (The Space @ Field Lane) do for the local community as well as the school"

Nicola Gledhill - Grandparent

Lasting Impact

A feature of the project was that it didn’t focus on sustainability, instead, funding was provided to show the value of the project to the community. As a result, the school are now planning to set up this scheme themselves in September, without any funding required from Active Calderdale – a major success!

"Being physically active together has really made a difference to their family unit and the feedback has been phenomenal"

Caroline Howarth - Head Teacher, Field Lane Primary School

"They (the adults) seem to have made friends with each other and I don't really think those friendships were there before"

Amanda Caldwell - Trustee & Volunteer, The Space @ Field Lane

If you would like to find out more about working with Active Calderdale or how we can help your service or organisation, please e-mail activecalderdale@calderdale.gov.uk.