Volunteers leading the way: Improving conditions to be active

Built in 1881, Foundry Street Community Centre began life as a Wesleyan Mission Chapel. After closing in 1973, local councillor Leslie Godfrey persuaded the District Council to transform the building into a community centre.

When it reopened in October 1979, it quickly became a thriving hub for local groups, hosting activities such as dance, drama, yoga, badminton, a youth club and the Shotokan Karate Club.

Active Calderdale has supported the centre to grow its physical activity offer, helping local providers co-design sustainable investment proposals.

Cindy’s Silver Stompers line dancing now runs both a Wednesday morning class and a seated line dancing session on Mondays. Table tennis has expanded to twice-weekly sessions with new equipment, and Shotokan Karate has delivered a year of beginners’ classes aimed at priority groups, including older adults and people with long-term health conditions - all through Active investment & support.

Active Calderdale has also helped to connect residents through services such as Social Prescribing, ensuring people who could benefit most are aware of the centre’s activities.

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