re:fresh

The re:fresh initiative is the first of its kind in the country. It is a groundbreaking partnership between the Council and the NHS.  It is an innovative plan to improve the health and wellbeing of residents by increasing levels of participation delivered through two key strands - free leisure and engaging/enabling.

Free leisure

re:fresh offers access to a programme of free leisure across the Council's leisure facilities, parks and community venues.  Admission is by means of the borough's beeZ leisure card which is available free to anyone over 16 years who lives, is in full time education, is registered with a GP or works in Blackburn with Darwen.  The programme of free leisure complements the Council's exisitng commitment to free junior activities during the holidays.  Click here for details of the re:fresh sessions available in your local leisure centre.

re:fresh free leisure was implemented using a three phased approach: phase one for the over 50's, family weekend activities and weekend junior swimming was launched with special guests Olympic Gold medalist Daley Thompson and Marathon Runner Ron Hill on July 1 2008.

The remaining two phases were launched on September 1 2008 for 16-24 years and April 1 2009 for 25-49 years, making re:fresh available for all adults over 16 years.

Engaging and enabling

re:fresh goes beyond just free leisure and incorporates community engagement models for sustainable change.  The engaging and enabling strand uses, strengthens and expands an existing volunteer network including the Healthy Communities Partnership (HCP) and the borough's Health Trainer programme.  These evidence based community projects work across the borough's neighbourhood areas to help increase participation in physical activity and offer personal support and information to help individuals make healthier lifestyle changes.