Active4Today: Delivering Health, Inclusion, and Community Impact Across Newark and Sherwood

Active4Today has, this week, been recognised as making significant and meaningful differences in the lives of residents across Newark and Sherwood.

The latest report published by Newark and Sherwood District Council shows that Active4Today has demonstrated exceptional performance across its community programmes, community initiatives and its leisure centres. With over 389,000 visits recorded between 1 April and 31 July 2025, a 13.85% increase compared to the same period last year with the benefits of its community programmes reaching, and helping, more people than ever before.

Active4Today is founded around its commitment to investing in community wellbeing and making physical activity accessible to all. Some of its recent initiatives include:

• Free fun swims and squash sessions for children during school holidays.
• Bursary gym memberships for young people experiencing mental health challenges.
• Volunteering opportunities for young people.
• Disability-inclusive sports sessions.
• The creation of new disability friendly, changing places facilities.
• Outreach programmes in Ollerton, Boughton, Blidworth, and Bilsthorpe targeting anti-social behaviour through sport. 

Supporting Active4Today, the District Council continues to ensure the facilities themselves are modern, accessible and of the highest quality, with significant recent investment examples including the District Council’s successful application for a Sport England grant for a new pool cover for the Dukeries Leisure Centre in Ollerton, the purchasing of new swimming starting blocks for Newark Swimming Clubs based at Newark Sports and Fitness Centre which will support performance coaching and the introduction of pool and sports hall inflatables at Dukeries Leisure Centre.

Each year Active4Today sets out what key activities it will deliver under three broad themes of ‘Healthy and Active Lifestyles’, ‘Accessible Facilities’ and ‘Financial Viability’. These activities reflect the District Council’s priorities around engagement, health improvement through tackling physical inactivity and addressing the needs of different population groups including older persons, younger persons or those with a disability. Active4Today is proud of its fundamental values which it keeps at the heart of its operation.

To align with its values, the Active4Today Sports Development Team has over the last year supported 52 community groups and attended 18 local events, engaging over 750 residents. Collaborations with schools and clubs have introduced children to new sports like squash and tennis, while the Volunteering in Sport and Physical Activity (VISPA) volunteer programme continues to provide valuable experience for young people. 

Active4Today is prioritising health and inclusion in its programming and has expanded its exercise referral programme, receiving 160 referrals from healthcare professionals—a 21% increase. New cardiac rehabilitation sessions and blood pressure checks have been introduced to support residents managing long-term health conditions. 

Looking ahead, Active4Today has lots of exciting new initiatives in the pipeline to help promote a healthy and active lifestyle, from new fun inflatables to improved facilities, and from more GP referral placements to more volunteering opportunities for young people, Active4Today is enhancing its leisure experience for all while remaining financially sustainable and socially inclusive.

Councillor Andy Freeman, Chair of Active4Today, said: “The progress we’ve seen this year is a testament to the dedication of our staff and the value our services bring to the community. We’re not just improving facilities - we’re improving the lives of local people and that is exactly what Active4Today is all about. I am delighted that we are being recognised by the District Council for the incredible service and facilities we offer, with membership prices at more affordable levels compared to other leisure providers, and with a host of community initiatives as well, we really do set ourselves apart and it’s something I and other members of the Active4Today Board are incredibly proud of.”

Councillor Susan Crosby, Portfolio Holder for Health and Wellbeing at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “Active4Today is helping us build a healthier, more inclusive district. From supporting mental health to engaging young people in sport, the impact is real and far-reaching. I am delighted that we have been able to invest so much in our Leisure Centres to ensure our residents really have the very best facilities right on their doorsteps. Thank you to everyone at Active4Today for your hard work, commitment and dedication to helping to deliver inclusive activity to benefit the residents who need it the most.”

For more information on Active4Today’s programmes and memberships, visit www.active4today.co.uk.