A new scheme is offering free leisure centre access to people making a difference in their communities.

The Community Champions programme, launched by Everyone Active in partnership with Fareham Borough Council, recognises and supports individuals leading charitable or community-focused projects by giving them free access to leisure facilities.

The scheme is open to people involved in mentoring, health and wellbfeing promotion, inclusivity, and environmental or cultural initiatives—whether part of a larger organisation or a small grassroots effort.

Ryan Grant, contract manager at Everyone Active, said: "We are hugely excited to launch the Community Champions scheme, which we hope will make a real difference in Fareham.

Fareham heroes gain free leisure passes for uplifting their communitiesFareham heroes gain free leisure passes for uplifting their communities (Image: Everyone Active) "We want to highlight the work of everyday heroes who are changing people’s lives and inspiring others to make a positive impact in their communities.

"We encourage local people, community projects and charitable initiatives to get their applications in before June 12, so we can support the fantastic work that you do."

Successful applicants will gain access to facilities at their nearest Everyone Active leisure centre, which can be used to further support their community work.

The scheme also aims to raise awareness of these projects, strengthen community connections, and encourage greater civic engagement.

Those selected may also be shortlisted for the upcoming Community Champions Awards, taking place in the autumn.

Everyone Active also recently launched its Colleague Champions scheme, which recognises employees who consistently deliver outstanding service, demonstrate innovation, teamwork, leadership, and embody the company’s values.

Members of the public can nominate Everyone Active colleagues via the same website, with nominations closing at 11.59pm on June 12.

Entries can be submitted through the Champions website at www.ea-champions.com.

The leisure operator also runs the Sporting Champions scheme, which supports emerging athletes with free access to training facilities and mentoring from Olympians and Paralympians.

Since its launch in 2016, Sporting Champions has supported more than 6,000 athletes by giving them free use of Everyone Active’s more than 240 centres across the UK.