All Posts

Active Calderdale is continuing to support St Malachy’s Primary School in Halifax as it strengthens its commitment to active and sustainable travel. Working in partnership with Calderdale’s Modeshift Officer, Sophie Kirkby, the school is developing its Travel Plan and encouraging more pupils and families to walk, wheel, cycle and scoot to school. St Malachy’s achievements were recently celebrated during a WOW – Park & Stride event delivered by Living Streets, where the school

Tazim Akhtar - 54, Park Ward Before joining the walking group, I wasn’t very active apart from looking after my grandchildren. I spent a lot of time at home, and because I enjoy sewing, much of my day involved sitting down. Over time, this led to weight gain as well as back problems and general aches and pains. When I was younger, I was always active, but as I’ve gotten older, that has changed. I realised I needed to start moving more again, otherwise my health would continue

Qudsia Naeem - 40, Park Ward Before joining the gym, I didn’t really have many consistent opportunities to stay active. I would sometimes sign up for classes or activities, like a local squash club, usually because people I knew were involved. I always gave them a try, but they never lasted long. I’ve always enjoyed being active, so it was always disappointing when those opportunities came to an end. There were also a number of barriers that made it harder to take part regula

The Space @ Field Lane is a well‑established community centre at the heart of Field Lane, Rastrick. It offers a wide range of services for local residents, including a warm space, exercise sessions, bingo nights, a community café, and more. Active Calderdale has been working in partnership with The Space for several years to embed physical activity into the centre’s core offer. Although various exercise classes were set up, it became clear that the insight and connection of a

Nasreen Akhtar – 51, Park Ward Physical activity was never really on my radar and wasn’t something I saw as being “for someone like me.” I’m in my 50s, a wife, mother and grandmother, and I’ve always believed my role in the home was to care for my family and look after the house – cooking, cleaning and everything in between. This is what I grew up knowing, and it’s what feels normal to me. I don’t see it as a burden, but I also didn’t realise what opportunities were available

Rukhsar Ali - 31, Park Ward A year or so ago, I stopped going to the gym and gradually became less active. Over time, I gained weight and started to feel really low about myself. I reached a point where I knew I needed to make a change. Rejoining the gym wasn’t easy; it took a lot of encouragement from the staff and the friends I’d made there previously. But eventually, I took that step, and I haven’t looked back since. At first, it felt really daunting. One day, the gym was

Santosh and her daughter Satvinder moved to Calderdale a few years ago after spending much of their lives relocating across the country through Satvinder’s career in filmmaking. Today, Satvinder is not only a creative professional but also a committed carer to her mum, who lives with a learning disability alongside a range of physical and mental health challenges. After arriving in Calderdale, they faced significant difficulties in accessing the right support and, at one poin

Since we first shared the story of the Mixy Marchers, Mandy’s journey and the group itself have continued to grow and evolve, while staying true to its roots. The walking group is still going strong in Mixenden, with between 6 and 19 women attending, depending on people’s circumstances. What hasn’t changed is the supportive environment it offers - a safe, friendly space where women can walk, talk and build confidence together. While Mini Marchers and netball sessions are no l

Name – Jensen Age – 11 at the start – now nearly 13. Jensen has faced more challenges than most children his age. Diagnosed with autism, he was non-verbal for the first five years of his life. It wasn’t until his younger brother came along that Jensen began to speak, a huge milestone, but one that still left him playing catch-up socially and academically. For years, Jensen struggled to find his place. More than a year ago, while attending high school with support from a SEN t

To coincide with National Walking Month, we were delighted to partner with Chris from North of England Activities and Training (NEAT) to deliver Walk Leader Training for staff and volunteers from Calderdale’s growing network of Active Travel Hubs. Hosted by Project Colt in Elland, the session brought together fantastic representation from across the borough, including IOU Hostel (Hebden Bridge) and Ride, Roll & Stroll (Brighouse). It was a great opportunity to connect, share

Since forming in December 2022, Sowerby Walkers & Ramblers have been leading the way in creating inclusive, welcoming opportunities for people across Calderdale to get out and walk together. The group meets most weekends, usually around midday, exploring the area’s stunning landscapes and waterways. Their motto says it all: “Hike Yourself Happy”, and true to that, they head out in all weather, sharing fresh air, friendship, and feel-good moments every week. A walking evolutio

At the heart of Halifax’s rugby community, Halifax Rugby Union Football Club (RUFC) and Halifax Panthers are proving that the game is for everyone. Based at Ovenden Park, Halifax RUFC is long-established and has built a strong reputation not just for rugby but for its deep commitment to inclusion, accessibility, and community spirit. From its Mixed Ability team, the Halifax Magpies, to initiatives like walking rugby, they are creating opportunities for people of all abilities

During an Active Park Ward partnership meeting, the group discussed the importance of encouraging others to be more active by setting a good example. It was acknowledged that well-known and trusted people in local communities, especially those representing local organisations, can strongly influence those they support. By being active themselves, these individuals can lead by example and inspire others to follow. Ideas were then shared on how organisations in Park Ward could

For Jane, staying active isn’t as simple as going for a walk or popping out for the day. Living with long-term nerve damage and heart complications, including a triple heart bypass 25 years ago, means every day looks a little different.

Calderdale is taking another big step towards a more active, connected future, as three new Active Travel Hubs secure £50,000 each through the latest round of West Yorkshire Combined Authority funding . These new hubs, based in Brighouse, Hebden Bridge and Elland, will make it easier for people to build walking, wheeling and cycling into everyday life, offering local access to equipment, training, activities and expert advice. With support from Calderdale Council, each hub is

Built in 1881, Foundry Street Community Centre began life as a Wesleyan Mission Chapel. After closing in 1973, local councillor Leslie Godfrey persuaded the District Council to transform the building into a community centre. When it reopened in October 1979, it quickly became a thriving hub for local groups, hosting activities such as dance, drama, yoga, badminton, a youth club and the Shotokan Karate Club. Over time, changes in management and reduced funding took their toll;

Primary schools across Calderdale are being supported to make journeys to school healthier, safer, and more sustainable through the Modeshift STARS accreditation scheme. The national programme helps schools develop and deliver travel plans that encourage pupils and families to choose active and sustainable travel options such as walking, wheeling, cycling, and public transport. By reducing car use around school gates, the initiative also helps tackle issues like congestion,

Last week, Active Calderdale brought together key sport and physical activity partners at a System partner Connection and Collaboration Event to strengthen relationships and explore opportunities to work more closely across Calderdale. Representatives from organisations including England Boxing , British Triathlon , England Netball , Volleyball England , Bowls Yorkshire , Paddle UK , the Rugby Football Union , England Squash , Rounders England , the Lawn Tennis Association ,

In December 2025, organisations from across Park Ward gathered at The King’s Centre for a Winter Celebration Event that recognised a year of progress in helping local people become more active. Located next to the historic People's Park, the event brought together a wide mix of community organisations, services and volunteers who are all contributing in different ways to creating a more active Park Ward. A shared goal for Park Ward The gathering formed part of the ongoing par

In December 2025, partners from across the Rastrick community gathered for a special Winter Celebration Event at The Space @ Field Lane . The event brought together a wide range of local organisations that are all playing their part in helping people across Rastrick move more and live healthier lives. A community coming together Located at the heart of the Field Lane estate, The Space @ Field Lane sits within an area that is a key focus for the Active Calderdale approach. The