North Herts 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 North Herts Leisure Centre, Hitchin Swimming and Fitness Centre, Fearnhill Sports Centre, Royston Leisure Centre and Letchworth Lido in partnership with North Herts Council.

The scheme is also be available at Knights Templar Sports Centre in Baldock, which Everyone Active manages in partnership with The Knights Templar School.

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.

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.

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.

Mark Leahy, Everyone Active's regional contract manager, said: "We are hugely excited to launch the Community Champions scheme, which we hope will make a real difference in North Herts.

"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."

Sarah Kingsley, Director - Environment, at North Herts Council, said: "We're excited to see the launch of the Community Champions scheme, which is such a fantastic way to support those who are truly making a difference in North Herts.

"This scheme shines a light on local projects and people doing great things. By providing access to our leisure facilities, we're hoping to help these initiatives grow and inspire others to get involved too.

"If you know someone or are involved in a project that's changing lives in our community, we'd love to hear from you!"

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.