Get Set Leeds Local is a Sport England funded project delivered by Active Leeds, to work in a co-productive way to support more people to move more within Holbeck, Beeston Hill, New Wortley and Seacroft.
We have community chest funding (up to £300) available to help seed fund an idea, along with funding for larger co-produced projects and funding to upskill people within these communities which helps contribute to creating sustainable physical activity opportunities.
We’re always looking for local insight into the things that are getting in the way of people being active, then working collaboratively to see how we can enable more people to move more whether that’s through amendments to the environment, creating social opportunities, working with “champions” to develop new community activities, or creating a social buzz around being active. We’re here to listen, support and enable lots of good stuff to happen.
One such initiative has been the inspiring Recovery Runners, set up by Dean and Jamie who developed the idea to use running as a way to support people who were recovering from alcohol addiction. Fast forward 18 months and the group has grown to welcome anyone who uses the benefits of running to recover from, or manage challenging life events or addictive behaviours through weekly activities from Leeds Dock.
This Christmas (11 December 2022) they have a fun 5K run/walk/jog Recovery Runners Rudolph River Run raising money to help people with addiction. Whether you’re taking part (e-mail recoveryrunners21@gmail.com for entry or donations), or want to pop along to cheer everyone along there will be a festive warm welcome for you. On the day they’ll be collecting food bank donations. Follow them on twitter @recoveryrunners7 for latest details.
As we all look ahead to the impacts of the rising costs of living, within Get Set Leeds Local we’ve been keen to explore how through these challenging times some of the potential barriers to being active which support mental and physical activity are broken down.
We anticipate many different approaches to be explored, whether it’s kit libraries, adding movement to a warm space or other innovative plan – we’d would love to hear your creative ideas, and collectively we may be able to potentially develop some of them further with funding or support.
New female only swims at John Charles Centre for Sport continue on both a Tuesday and a Thursday 1-2pm. At hand will be a Leeds Girls Can ambassador to offer support at each session. Sessions don’t guarantee a female lifeguard (which can’t be offered currently).
However, community focus groups with BAME women have shared that they were largely comfortable with a male lifeguard if they could take through to the curtained off diving area dressing gowns or towels before entering the water discreetly. The diving pool will be raised to be shallow depth.
Please do help share with women across the Inner South as it is something that has been asked for by local women over a long time. The cheapest way to access is via a Leeds Card Extra (for those on benefits) LeedsCard
What’s different?
- Leeds Girls Can Ambassador Naz (qualified swim teacher) will be present on poolside to answer any questions or concerns in relation to the session.
- The pool and viewing area will be curtained off/closed for privacy.
- Please feel free to bring along your robes/towels to wear to the poolside.
- During the holidays you can bring your children.
Collectively with partners we’re excited to be developing a new event at Cross Flatts Park for May 2023. If you run are involved in any group, activity or club which helps the community move more and could be a part of the event by showcasing your activity through a demonstration, taster or information stall then get in touch via karen.peck@leeds.gov.uk. We’ll share more details in the New Year.
As the weather takes a wintery turn, we’d like to remind everyone that ParkPlay at Brickfield Park in Beeston Hill (Lady Pitt Lane) continues every Saturday at 10:30am whatever the weather, free for everyone to turn up and join in.
On Saturday 7 January Leeds Girls Can, Leeds United Foundation and Get Set Leeds local are teaming up to host a fun women’s football event. A morning full of fun, social, inclusive games with the aim to bring women together to try something new. Whether you are a complete beginner or have a passion for the game we would love to invite you to Football World in Cross Green 11am-1pm. It’s five-a-side but our team can help make up the numbers if you are short. If you would like to get involved email elizabeth.cotter@leeds.gov.uk
From Get Set Leeds Local we’d like to thank all our partners and residents who we’ve worked with over 2022. We look forward to what 2023 brings. Happy Holidays to all.
This post was written by Karen Peck
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