“Do you think we could …?” is something I love to hear when chatting to residents within my role. The nuggets of an idea that can have the opportunity to develop into new local opportunities for people to be active. Active Leeds (part of Leeds City Council) continues to share its Get Set Leeds Local project learning with Sport England, which emphasises that real change at a community level in helping more people move more comes from ideas and projects which are community led, developed collectively, and building on elements which are strong within the project priority places.
Change takes time, but it is happening and we see continual new opportunities developing or sustaining across South Leeds. Sport England have invested into our Place Based approach which has areas within Holbeck and Beeston and Hunslet and Riverside Wards as focal areas for our approach.
A Community Chest Pot of up to £300 is available to apply for, by groups and residents in the above wards to seed fund some ‘good ideas’ to help people move more, with further support to develop something bigger through funding support, advice, connections or working collectively along with building capabilities and capacity through support and upskilling opportunities. Feel free to get in touch for a chat or an application karen.peck@leeds.gov.uk
Being active all year, whatever the weather is important for our mental and physical wellbeing but we know many people see Spring as an opportunity to get back outdoors, whether its walking, getting on a bike, connecting and playing a game with others, attending sessions such as rollerskating via LS-TEN in a community space or borrowing a rounders kit or tennis racket from Watsonian Café in Cross Flatts Park to have a game with friends or family.
At Cross Flatts Park we have a bike hub, with bikes available for groups (with insurance and training) to book out and use. Free weekly Adult Learn to Ride and cycle confidence sessions continue from Cycle North each Saturday bookable via www.cyclenorth.co.uk/adults. We’re interested to know though what would help you or your family get on a bike?
Our British Cycling Activator Andy will be restarting evening children’s bike confidence and learn to ride sessions at Cross Flatts Park, utilising the wooden timberfly bike ramps from Easter on Wednesday afternoons, taking place 4pm during school holidays and from 3:45–4:30pm when school term begins. These are drop in sessions, no bike required.
Brickfield Park on Lady Pit Lane (next to St Francis of Assisi Primary School) has had investment over recent years from the council and ward members to enhance the greenspace with play equipment. Two great sessions will be available at Brickfield Park which use the park in different ways:
Brickfield ParkPlay is every Saturday from 10:30am. This is a free community-led activity session for all ages. Pop along and join in when you can to enjoy fun games. Children of all ages and grown ups welcome, with all generations playing together.
Brickfield Park Adult Beginner Bootcamp developed from a resident idea, with an application to the Community Chest Pot and other funding support and from St Luke Cares ABCD co-ordinator. Every Monday evening starting after Easter Holidays. Keep an eye on socials to see more information on times and how to get involved coming soon.
Save the Date – 11 May
Following the success of the first Let’s Move: South Leeds event last year, it will be returning in 2024 on Saturday 11 May, 12-3pm at Cross Flatts Park. Community partners will be showcasing and sharing a range of different sports and activities that are on offer across South Leeds. We’re hoping there’ll be something for everyone, for all ages and abilities. Come along and join in, chat and get to know what’s going on locally. If you run a group/club and would like to be a part of it then get in touch.
Playzones
And finally, watch out for a consultation starting later this month about investment in some of our multi-use games areas (MUGAs). Leeds has the opportunity to apply for investment from the Football Foundation to create new Playzones.
Cross Flatts Park and Holbeck Community Centre have been identified as potential sites for the Playzone investment. An online survey will run from mid-April to 17 May, we’ll share full details here on South Leeds Life.
Do get in touch to share your local insight and ideas for what may help people move more in South Leeds. Follow us Get Set Leeds Local on social media, or get in touch: karen.peck@leeds.gov.uk
