Voluntary and community

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

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

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

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;

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

In late July, The Basement Recovery Project contacted Calderdale Council with a simple but powerful idea: could they access a small number of bikes to support their volunteers and help deliver cycling sessions? What followed was the start of a partnership that went far beyond bike provision, creating lasting impact through skills, confidence, and community connection. A Partnership Built on Shared Values Active Calderdale reached out to Project Colt in Elland, the team behi

Supporting Active Lives Halifax Central Initiative (HCI) plays a vital role in supporting people from Eastern European communities to navigate everyday life in Calderdale. Through its dedicated Eastern European Service, individuals can access practical support with tasks such as understanding and paying bills, attending GP appointments, and managing other essential aspects of daily living. At the heart of this service is Blazena Pancikova, a dedicated project worker who prov

2025 Winter Celebration In the heart of Sowerby Bridge, St Paul’s Methodist Church stands as a welcoming community hub where people gather, connect and support one another. On Thursday, 11 December, its main hall became the festive and vibrant setting for the first We’re All Active Calderdale Winter Celebration for Sowerby and Sowerby Bridge. The event brought together over fifty people, including representatives from community groups, clubs, volunteer organisations and resid

Winter Celebration 2025 On a dark, wet, and wintry December afternoon in Cornholme, Vale Baptist Church offered a welcome contrast, glowing with light, warmth, and conversation. Around forty people came together to reflect on and celebrate the positive changes taking shape locally at the first We’re All Active Calderdale Winter Celebration. Despite the cold outside, the atmosphere inside was upbeat and energising. The event marked a moment to pause, look back on what has been

Name: Sam, Active Travel Coordinator at North Halifax Partnership (NHP) Training: Active Calderdale Walk Leader Training (Free!) First Walk: 5 participants – a dad, his son, a friend, and two colleagues Goal: Make walking more accessible, social, and meaningful in Halifax communities Living and working in Halifax, Sam knew how many barriers people face when it comes to being active. However, through his role as Active Travel Coordinator at North Halifax Partnership (NHP),

CalderGold Health & Fitness was born from lived experience, deep community roots, and a belief that everyone deserves to feel strong, supported, and confident at every stage of life. Founded by health coach Robert McDonald, CalderGold represents more than 15 years of experience in the health and fitness industry, combined with a lifelong connection to the Calderdale communities of Greetland, Barkisland, Holywell Green, Stainland, and the surrounding villages. Robert’s guiding

Founded in 2021, Todmorden Makery is a member and volunteer-run workshop built on a simple idea: repairing and making things is good for the planet and good for people. In just a few years, it has grown into a thriving community space with over 700 registered users, many of whom started as visitors and stayed on as active members or volunteers. The Makery is shaped by the ideas and feedback of the people who use it. Its focus is on practical skills, shared learning and commu

The North Halifax Partnership (NHP) is a community-focused organisation based in Halifax, West Yorkshire. It delivers a wide range of initiatives designed to improve local wellbeing and strengthen public services. The NHP has been a key partner in system change work with Parks and Green Spaces (GSSS) and now leads on several Park Partnership Groups across North Halifax, including Mixenden , Beechwood Park , and Shroggs Park . These groups are helping to develop a community-l