Congleton Leisure Centre's providers is to launch a new initiative.

Everybody Health and Leisure, who operate Congleton's new leisure centre on Worrall Street, have launched a new week which will celebrate charities.

In a statement sent to Congleton Nub News, Everybody said: "We're serious about doing social good and adding social value to people's lives here at Everybody Health & Leisure."

"That's why we will be marking the first ever Seriously Social Week in May as part of a national campaign that showcases how the work of charities, like ours, are putting people above profit, connecting communities and helping people to become healthier, happier and more creative, regardless of age or ability.

"Seriously Social has been organized by national body Community Leisure UK (CLUK). Starting Monday 27 May - each day of the week will focus on a theme to show how companies like ours help create social impact and create happier, healthier communities. Themes include Health & Wellbeing, Environment, Inclusion, Community and Employment & Skills."

You can join Congleton Leisure Centre on this link.

Kirsty Cumming, CEO of Community Leisure UK, said: "Our members don't just deliver public leisure and cultural services, they support social change for the better every day of the week, 365 days a year.

"As social enterprises and charities, they put people above profit. They are run by local people and have everyone's best interests at heart. This week is about showcasing how they go above and beyond supporting individuals and communities. This is a selfless sector, quietly going about supporting people and communities every day. Not because it makes them money, but because it's the right thing to do. And we thought it was high time more people know about the great work they do and the difference they make."

Everybody Health and Leisure told Congleton Nub News in a statement: "More than 110 Charitable Trusts and Social Enterprises deliver public leisure and culture in Scotland, Wales and Ireland as part of the Community Leisure UK network. Together in 2023 they;

• Welcomed more than 209 million visits
• Worked with 170+ Local Authorities
• Collaborated with 100,000+ Community
• Reduced carbon emissions by 73%
• 63% provided warm spaces for the community
• 75% provided holiday food and activity programmes
• Saved the state and NHS £893million through their work getting people more active and healthier

Thomas Barton, CEO of Everybody Health & Leisure, said: "We are proud to be part of a network of charities operating with a social conscience, delivering social good when providing public leisure and culture services.

"Our core business isn't about making profit, it is about purpose – helping people first. Supporting society to get healthier and happier, employing local people, creating safe spaces for everybody, connecting communities, working towards net zero and supporting people with quality health and wellbeing services for everybody regardless of age or ability."

"Seriously Social is a brilliant way to showcase not only the difference we make but also why we do what we do."

Discover Everybody Health & Leisure's contribution to the national picture in 2023-24 via this link.

*Social Value Figure produced by 4Global using data from Moving Communities and DataHub. Full stats can be found at seriouslysocial.org.uk.