FAQs
Q. What is re:fresh?
A. re:fresh is a unique partnership between Blackburn with Darwen Care Trust Plus and the Borough Council. They have invested money into helping to increase levels of physical activity to improve health and wellbeing.
Q. Is re:fresh continuing?
A. Yes, due to the success of re:fresh the Council and Care Trust Plus have committed to a further two years of funding. This demonstrates our commitment to the health and wellbeing of the people of Blackburn with Darwen. Due to the success of the scheme and the impact it has made on the health of the community investing this money now will save money in years to come.
Q. What do we hope to achieve?
A. To improve the health and wellbeing within the borough by:
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Increasing levels of participation by adults in the borough.
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Decrease number of adults doing no physical activity.
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The programme will also contribute to the overall aim of improving all age cause mortality statistics and reducing the death rate from all circulatory diseases.
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Through the commitment to enhance family activity provision and expand free junior swimming the project will also contribute to tackling the incidence of childhood obesity.
Q. Who qualifies for re:fresh?
A. Adults (16 and over) who live, work, are in full time education or whose GP practice is in Blackburn with Darwen qualifies for free leisure. Children and families will be able to take advantage of activities on weekends.
Q. What is available free of charge?
A. The following activities will continue to be provided through re:fresh completely free of charge to beeZ card holders:
Regency gym sessions
- All casual sessions at Audley Sports and Community Centre & Shadsworth Leisure Centre.
- Weekends 12 noon – 5pm at Waves Water Fun Centre.
- Weekends 1pm – 5pm at Darwen Leisure Centre.
Swimming
- All casual sessions at Waves Water Fun Centre & Daisyfield Pools.
- Programmed sessions at Darwen Leisure Centre and Shadsworth Leisure Centre – please contact the centre direct for specific times.
Courts
- Courts available for hire for badminton and 5 a side football at Audley Sports and Community Centre, Darwen Leisure Centre and Shadsworth Leisure Centre.
- Squash courts 11am - 5pm at Shadsworth Leisure Centre. .
Booking restrictions apply – please call the centre for details.
Community Activities
Q. What has changed?
A. From April 1 2011, charges will be introduced for the following:
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All leisure centre classes (including Swimfit). These will be charged at the current fees and charges rate.
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Bowling - structured league sessions will become chargeable.
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Afternoon music halls at King Georges Hall and Darwen Library Theatre will return to being charged for events.
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Some Healthwise sessions will become chargeable for anyone without a referral from a healthcare professional.
Q. Are any activities and leisure facilities exempt?
A. Yes.
The use of Regency gyms at Waves and Darwen Leisure Centre during weekdays all day and weekend mornings are outside of the scope of this initiative. They are deemed to operate on a commercially competitive basis along side private providers in the borough. The current beeZ memberships and concession pricing policy for use of these 2 fitness gyms will be retained.
Block booking of facilities by leagues and clubs are also exempt from this initiative. The free offer is focused on providing opportunities and support to help individuals take responsibility for their own health and encourage healthier, more active lifestyles.
Q. What is classed as a family?
A. A family can be up to 5 members but must include both adults and children. Examples of combinations are below:
- 1 adult and up to 4 children.
- 2 adults and up to 3 children.
Children must be 15 and under. Maximum of 2 adults per family.
Q. How do I take part in re:fresh?
A. To take part all you need is a beeZ card. To apply for a free beeZ card, click here or visit one of the Council's leisure centres to apply.
Q. What proof will be required to obtain a free beeZ card?
A. One of the following forms of identity will be required to obtain a free beeZ card:
- Work - wage slip and/or ID badge with photograph that states the company is in Blackburn and Darwen, letter on company headed paper
- Live - utility bill, driving licence, bank statement
- Education - letter on headed paper, ID badge stating full time education
- GP within BwD - letter on headed paper or stamped with sugery details, doctors card stating with which GP the patient is registered.
Q. How can I find out about activities near where I live?
A. This website provides information about all sorts of activities and events in Blackburn with Darwen, including leisure centre sessions, community events and activities offered through private providers. All activity information is located in the Activities section of the website.
The Health Routes team can also be contacted for further information on Tel: 01254 682037.
Q. What if I lose my beeZ card?
A. All customers who are eligible for the scheme are entitled to one free replacement beeZ card. Any further replacement cards will have to be paid for, at a cost of £3.75.
Q. What if I forget my beeZ card when attending a free leisure activity?
A. The session will need to be paid for. A refund may be given if the beeZ card and receipt is shown at the leisure centre on the same day.
Q. Do I need to bring a photograph?
A. No. A photo will be taken at the leisure centre reception.
