Scroll down to see the latest Get Active timetable from re:fresh.
Blackburn with Darwen’s RE:FRESH team is dedicated to supporting the health and wellbeing of people living and working in our Borough.
If you would like any further information about these sessions please contact The Wellbeing Service on 01254 682037.
FREE LEISURE
Sessions delivered in partnership with BwD Leisure require booking and payment through their Leisure App. This can be found in the app store.
The Council is offering a 12 month programme of free leisure sessions across the borough. This will start with the inclusion of a variety of activities including gym-based, swimming and cycling sessions. Click here to view the BwD Leisure website for more information and how to apply.
Please note: To attend all the sessions below you will need your own Leisure Card. Applications for a Leisure Card are available at the sessions. All sessions which include Free Leisure will run up until the end of March 2023.
To qualify for re:fresh, you MUST be able to answer YES to AT LEAST ONE of the following:
- Live in Blackburn with Darwen
- Work in Blackburn with Darwen
- Have a GP based in Blackburn with Darwen
- In full time education
Below is the timetable running from Wednesday 4th January to Friday 31st March:
- Green – Sessions aimed at beginners or those returning to exercise after some time.
- Purple – Ante and post natal sessions aimed at new mums and mums to be.
- Yellow – Learning through play sessions aimed at children aged 4 and under.
- Orange – Sessions aimed at people (16+) with a Learning Disability and Autism.
Monday
Session/Time | Description | £ | Discount Available | Location | Further Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Brew and Chat 9.45am – 10.30am | Join the team for a brew and meet other new mums and mums to be. Suitable for babies 0-12 months. | FREE | New Methodist Church, Bright Street, Darwen, BB3 1QL | Session starts 16th January | |
Learning Disability Archery 10am – 11.30am | Archery is good for balance, hand eye co-ordination and upper body strength. The rules of archery keep it safe. Refresh have a qualified instructor and trained volunteers to help or advise you. All equipment is provided. | £1 | FREE LEISURE | Witton Park Arena, Preston Old Road, Blackburn, BB2 2TP | Leisure Card needed for refresh membership. Carers free of charge. |
Walking Workout 10.30am – 11.15am | Join us for a low level walk in the great outdoors. Feel stronger and more energised as you challenge your balance and improve your strength with simple exercises to work your tummy muscles, lower back, and legs. | £2 | refreshBwD reduced to £1 for adults who live, work, have a GP or are in full time education in BwD | Corporation Park, Blackburn, BB2 6AY Meet at the entrance to East Park Lodge, East Road.
| |
Baby Movers 10.45am – 11.30am | A fun session where you can learn how to connect and interact with your baby to support their healthy brain development and emotional wellbeing. Suitable for babies and toddlers age 0 – 18 months. Please bring a mat and a few blankets for the baby. | 50p | New Methodist Church, Bright St, Darwen, BB3 1QL | Session starts 16th January | |
Gentle Exercise for New Mums 11.45am – 12.30pm | Low level exercise session to adapt to each stage of pregnancy. Stay strong in preparation for labour and birth. Suitable from 12 weeks of pregnancy. | £1 | New Methodist Church, Bright St, Darwen, BB3 1QL | Session starts 16th January | |
Keep Fit Class 1.30pm – 2:30pm | This fun and functional light exercise to music class incorporates balance, strength and resistance elements to keep you stronger for longer and maintain your independence as you age. Our team will give you the confidence and equip you with resources to practice the exercises at home. | £2 | refreshBwD reduced to £1 for adults who live, work, have a GP or are in full time education in BwD | Darwen Valley Community Centre, Sudellside St Darwen, BB3 3DL | Session starts 27th February |
Learning Disability Cycling 1.30pm – 3pm | Cycling is low impact and easy on your joints but still helps you get in shape. Refresh has a good selection of specialised cycles to suit a wide range of abilities. | £1 | FREE LEISURE | Witton Park, meet at the Cycle Centre next to the Pavilion, Blackburn, BB2 5LE | Leisure Card needed for refresh membership. Carers free of charge. |
Tuesday
Session/Time | Description | £ | Discount Available | Location | Further Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mini Movers 9.45am – 10.30am | Music and movement session for children who have just started to walk and up to 4 years old. Helps children to develop movement skills that will serve as the building blocks for future motor skills, ensuring they are school ready. Children must be supervised by a parent or carer at all times at a maximum ratio of two children per adult. | 50p | FREE LEISURE | Darwen Leisure Centre, The Green, Darwen, BB3 1PW | |
Cycle Back to Fitness 10am- 10.45am | An opportunity to cycle on the athletics track in a controlled hazard free area away from general park users and traffic. Build up your fitness and cycling confidence at your own pace. All equipment provided and trikes available for those who need that extra stability. Please book a space via the BwD Leisure app. | £2 | FREE LEISURE | Witton Park, Blackburn, BB2 5LE Meet at the Cycle Centre next to the Pavilion | Leisure card needed with refresh membership |
Keep Fit Class 10am – 11am | This fun and functional light exercise to music class incorporates balance, strength and resistance elements to keep you stronger for longer and maintain your independence as you age. Our team will give you the confidence and equip you with resources to practice the exercises at home. | £2 | re:freshBwD reduced to £1 for adults who live, work, have a GP or are in full time education in BwD | Wesley Hall Methodist Church, Blackburn, BB2 1LQ | |
Pedal Round the Park 11am – 11.45am
| A progression from our Track session; this guided ride follows the mile loop around the park and is designed for those who feel comfortable cycling but not quite ready to venture outside the park. All equipment will be provided. | £2 | FREE LEISURE | Witton Park, Blackburn, BB2 5LE Meet at the Cycle Centre next to the Pavilion. | Leisure Card needed with refresh membership. |
Biker Tots 12.30pm – 1.15pm | Biker tots for children aged 2 – 4 years with a selection of balance bikes. Give your child the best start to life on two wheels by encouraging balance, mobility, coordination, and avoid using stabilisers. Our expert Activators will guide the session, offer support and help you to educate your child on the best practice when it comes to balancing and cycling. | 50p | Darwen Valley Community Centre, Sudellside St, Darwen, BB3 3DL | Leisure Card needed with refresh membership | |
Brew and Chat 6.30pm – 7pm | Join one of the team for a brew and a chat and meet other mums to be. | FREE | Darwen Leisure Centre, The Green, Darwen, BB3 1PW | ||
Aqua Natal 7.15pm – 8pm | Aqua Natal classes are water-based exercise classes especially designed for pregnant women in their second and third trimesters. They aim to help you keep gently fit without damaging any joints or ligaments. This session is delivered in partnership with BwD Leisure and booking is required. Suitable from 12 weeks of pregnancy. | £2 | FREE LEISURE | Darwen Leisure Centre, The Green, Darwen, BB3 1PW
| Book using the ‘BwD Leisure’ app or online at www.bwdleisure.com Leisure Card needed for refresh membership. |
Wednesday
Session/Time | Description | £ | Discount Available | Location | Further Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Walking Workout 9.45am – 10.30am | Join us for a low level walk in the great outdoors. Feel stronger and more energised as you challenge your balance and improve your strength with simple exercises to work your tummy muscles, lower back, and legs. | £2 | re:freshBwD reduced to £1 for adults who live, work, have a GP or are in full time education in BwD | Sunnyhurst Woods, Darwen, BB3 1JA Meet at the Disabled Entrance on Earnsdale Rd | |
Bangor Street Walk 10am – 11am | This ladies only, volunteer led walk takes in the local community and lasts up to one hour. | FREE |
| Bangor Street Community Centre, Blackburn, BB1 6NZ | |
Learning Disability Multi Sports Session 10am – 11.30am | Develop your hand eye co-ordination and team spirit. This session is fun and for all abilities. | £1 | FREE LEISURE
| Darwen Leisure Centre, The Green, Darwen, BB3 1PW | Leisure Card needed with refresh membership. Carers free of charge. |
Learning Disability Cycling 12.30pm – 2.30pm | Cycling is low impact and easy on your joints but still helps you get in shape. Refresh has a good selection of specialised cycles to suit a wide range of abilities. | £1 | FREE LEISURE | Witton Park, Blackburn, BB2 5LE Meet at the Cycle Centre next to the Pavilion. | Leisure Card needed with refresh membership. Carers free of charge. |
Pregnancy Pilates 8pm – 8.45pm | Strengthen important muscles that will help to avoid problems with body functions that occur during pregnancy and after delivery. A great way to ensure that you are maintaining good posture to support your growing baby- Suitable from 12 weeks of pregnancy | £2 | re:freshBwD reduced to £1 for adults who live, work, have a GP or are in full time education in BwD. | Blackburn Sports and Leisure Centre, Feilden St, Blackburn, BB2 1LQ |
Thursday
Session/Time | Description | £ | Discount Available | Location | Further Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Learning Disability Multi Sports Session 10am – 11.30am | Develop your hand eye co-ordination and team spirit. This session is fun and for all abilities. | £1 | FREE LEISURE | Witton Park Arena, Preston Old Rd, Blackburn, BB2 2TP | Leisure card needed for refresh membership. Carers free of charge. |
LADIES ONLY Pilates for Beginners 11am – 12pm | An introduction to Pilates. Suitable for beginners. Please bring your own mat and a bottle of water. | £2 | refreshBwD reduced to £1 for adults who live, work, have a GP or are in full time education in BwD | Wesley Hall Methodist Church, Blackburn, BB2 1LQ | |
Brew and Chat 12pm – 12.45pm | Join one of the team for a brew and a chat and meet other mums to be. | FREE | Shadsworth Hub, Rothesay Rd, Blackburn, BB1 2ES | ||
Baby Movers 1pm – 1.30pm | A fun session where you can learn how to connect and interact with your baby to support their healthy brain development and emotional wellbeing. Suitable for babies and toddlers age 0 – 18 months. Please bring a mat and a few blankets for the baby. | 50p | Shadsworth Hub, Rothesay Rd, Blackburn, BB1 2ES | Session starts 12th January | |
Cycle Back to Fitness 1pm – 2pm | An opportunity to cycle on the athletics track in a controlled hazard free area away from general park users and traffic. Build up your fitness and cycling confidence at your own pace. All equipment provided and trikes available for those who need that extra stability. Please book a space via the BwD Leisure app. | £2 | FREE LEISURE
| Witton Park, Blackburn, BB2 5LE Meet at the Cycle Centre next to the Pavilion | Leisure Card needed with refresh membership |
Gentle Exercise for New Mums 1.45pm – 2.30pm | Low level exercise session to adapt to each stage of pregnancy. Stay strong in preparation for labour and birth. Suitable from 12 weeks of pregnancy. | £1 | Shadsworth Hub, Rothesay Rd, Blackburn, BB1 2ES | Session starts 12th January | |
Witton Park Walk 2pm – 3pm | An easy paced health walk along the canal. Suitable for beginners. | FREE | Witton Park, outside the Arena, Blackburn, BB2 5LE | Check out our Active Outdoors page for the latest information. |
Friday
Session/Time | Description | £ | Discount Available | Location | Further Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Biker Tots 10.15am – 11am | Biker tots for children aged 2 – 4 years with a selection of balance bikes. Give your child the best start to life on two wheels by encouraging balance, mobility, coordination, and avoid using stabilisers. Our expert Activators will guide the session, offer support and help you to educate your child on the best practice when it comes to balancing and cycling. | 50p | Corporation Park, Blackburn BB2 6AY Meet at the Learn To Ride Track, Revidge Road. | ||
Led Walk 10.30am Start | These volunteer led walks which may involve hills, rough ground and stiles, set off from a variety of different locations and last between one hour and 90 minutes. | FREE | Various | ||
Learning Disability Gym 10.30am – 11am | Gym exercise is great to get in shape. It can get your heart pumping, build muscle and increase your metabolism. | £1 | Audley Sports Centre, Chester St, Blackburn, BB1 1DW | Leisure Card needed. Carers free of charge. | |
Learning Disability Dancing 10.30am – 11.30am | Dancing can reduce stress, tension and make you feel good. The routines also aid memory and co-ordination, plus it’s great fun. | £1 | Audley Sports Centre, Chester St, Blackburn, BB1 1DW | Leisure Card needed. Carers free of charge. | |
Learning Disability Football 11am – 11.30am | Football improves fitness and being part of a team can be lots of fun. It gives your heart and muscles a good workout. | £1 | Audley Sports Centre, Chester St, Blackburn, BB1 1Dw | Leisure Card needed. Carers free of charge. | |
Aqua Natal 12.15pm – 1pm | Low impact session in water. Feel more energised, improve general wellbeing and help your body to prepare for labour and birth. Suitable for all stages of pregnancy and after 6-8 week check (12 weeks after C section) | £2 | refreshBwD: | Blackburn Sports & Leisure Centre, Feilden St, Blackburn, BB2 1LQ | |
Learning Disability Dodgeball 1.30pm – 2.30pm | Dodgeball can be fun, energetic and promotes team spirit. This session works well for all abilities. | £1 | FREE LEISURE | Witton Park Arena, Blackburn, BB2 5LE | Leisure card needed for refresh membership. Carers free of charge. |
Bookwhen Sessions
Most of our sessions are just turn up, but to book on any sessions on bookwhen: