Blog

Looking to energise your community, promote healthier lifestyles, and make your neighbourhood more connected? Thousands of pounds in grant funding is now up for grabs to help local organisations get more people walking, wheeling and cycling across West Yorkshire.

Over the summer, Colby, Caelan, and Blake joined the social action project at Beechwood Park where they gave boxing a try. Their enthusiasm and commitment stood out, and they were rewarded with free gym passes to Halifax Boxing Club. After impressing the team further, all three were given 16-month memberships—and they’ve been making the most of it ever since.

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.

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.