Havering community groups can now apply for free access to local leisure facilities under a major new scheme launched to support local heroes making a difference across the area.

Applications are now open for the Community Champions initiative, created by Everyone Active which manages Central Park Leisure Centre, Harrow Lodge Leisure Centre, Noak Hill Sports Complex, Rainham Leisure Centre and Sapphire Ice and Leisure, in partnership with Havering Council.

Everyone Active is calling on local changemakers to apply to the scheme, launched on Thursday, May 1, 2025, which aims to strengthen communities by supporting projects that address local needs and improve lives.

Organisers are encouraging applications from people involved in mentoring, promoting health and wellbeing, supporting inclusivity, or leading environmental and cultural projects.

Successful Community Champions will be awarded free access to a range of facilities within the centre, from pool time and studio space to meeting rooms and equipment, to support the delivery of their projects.

It can be a charitable initiative or a project that is small or targeted.

Successful Community Champions will be awarded free access to a range of facilities within the centre, from pool time and studio space to meeting rooms and equipment, to support the delivery of their projects

Their stories will also be showcased by Everyone Active to help strengthen community ties, promote civic engagement and inspire others to make a difference.

Champions chosen through the scheme will also be in the running for the new Champions Awards, set to take place in autumn 2025, celebrating the most inspiring projects and people.

Applications are now open for the Community Champions initiative, created by Everyone Active which manages Central Park Leisure Centre, Harrow Lodge Leisure Centre, Noak Hill Sports Complex, Rainham Leisure Centre and Sapphire Ice and Leisure, in partnership with Havering Council.

In parallel, Everyone Active has launched a Colleague Champions initiative to honour employees who consistently exceed expectations.

This internal programme will recognise standout examples of customer service, innovation, teamwork, leadership and dedication to the organisation’s core values.

Applications for both Community Champions and Colleague Champions opened on Thursday, May 1, 2025, and will close on Thursday, June 12, 2025. Entries can be submitted through the dedicated website: www.ea-champions.com.

Tom Fletcher, Everyone Active’s area contract manager, said: “We are hugely excited to launch the Community Champions scheme, which we hope will make a real difference in Havering.

“We want to highlight the work of everyday heroes who are changing people’s lives and inspiring others to make a positive impact in their communities.

“We encourage local people, community projects and charitable initiatives to get their applications in so we can support the fantastic work that you do.”

Councillor Gillian Ford, Deputy Leader of Havering Council and Cabinet Member for Adults and Wellbeing, said: “Everyone Active’s Community Champions is such a positive initiative that goes some way to rewarding and recognising the many residents who go above and beyond in helping others in Havering.

“We encourage residents, community groups and charities to come forward and highlight the great work that these individuals do and welcome them into to Havering’s leisure centres to thank them for their continued efforts.”

Everyone Active also runs the Sporting Champions scheme, which empowers aspiring athletes to achieve their full potential through access to state-of-the-art training facilities and invaluable mentoring support from Olympians and Paralympians.

Since its inception in 2016, the scheme has elevated the sporting careers of more than 6,000 athletes by providing them with free access to Everyone Active's 240-plus leisure centres nationwide.

Free leisure access offered to Havering heroes in new Community Champions scheme