An award-winning sports and leisure operator is proud to announce its support for two new charities, reflecting the company’s ongoing commitment to the communities in which it operates. The partnerships will involve a variety of fundraising and awareness campaigns, designed to reach and engage each charity’s target demographics.

Everyone Active has commenced a two-year partnership with Breast Cancer Now and The Ben Kinsella Trust, officially launched on Thursday, 1 August 2024 – with the ambition to raise £100,000 in total, which will be split across the two charities to cover essential operations.

Breast Cancer Now is the largest breast cancer charity in the UK. The charity funds world-class research and life-changing support. They are here for anyone affected by breast cancer, the whole way through, providing support for today and hope for the future.

Everyone Active and Breast Cancer Now aim to raise awareness around the role that physical and mental wellbeing can play in supporting people affected by breast cancer.

Everyone Active will utilise its reach across more than 230 leisure and cultural facilities to support The Ben Kinsella Trust and emphasise the importance of physical activity in safeguarding young people. By combining their expertise, both organisations will work to increase understanding of how exercise benefits overall health and well-being.

The Ben Kinsella Trust is a leading anti-knife crime charity established in memory of Ben Kinsella, a young victim of knife violence. Its primary focus is on educating young people about the devastating consequences of carrying a knife. Through immersive workshops and interactive exhibitions, they challenge misconceptions, empower positive choices, and work to prevent the loss of young lives to senseless violence.

Ben Beevers, Everyone Active’s Group Development Director, said: "Our new charity partnerships hold special significance, as breast cancer and knife crime have unfortunately impacted our colleagues over the past year. We’re proud to support Breast Cancer Now and The Ben Kinsella Trust, both of which do exceptional work within the communities we serve, giving us an opportunity to raise awareness and fundraise for two great causes."

“With over 230 leisure and cultural facilities across the UK, and more than 14,000 Everyone Active colleagues nationwide, we will work closely within our centres and the surrounding communities to raise funds for the essential work of each charity. Additionally, we’re committed to driving awareness of these important initiatives, while engaging communities through a wide range of physical and fun fundraising events.”

Lizzie Iredale, associate director of corporate engagement and partnerships at Breast Cancer Now, said: “We’re extremely grateful to the team at Everyone Active for all their support. The funds raised through the partnership will go towards funding vital research and support for people affected by breast cancer.

“The partnership will also help to raise awareness of the valuable role that regular exercise and physical activity can have in helping to maintain or improve your physical and mental health during and after breast cancer treatment.

“Every 10 minutes one woman is diagnosed with breast cancer in the UK. Breast Cancer Now is on a mission to make sure that by 2050, everyone diagnosed with breast cancer lives, and is supported to live well.”

Patrick Green, CEO of The Ben Kinsella Trust, said: "We are delighted to announce our exciting new partnership with Everyone Active. They are more than just leisure facilities; they offer young people safe spaces to connect, engage in positive activities, and have fun. The funds raised through this collaboration will be crucial in our ongoing efforts to prevent knife crime and protect young lives."

Everyone Active’s previous charity partner was Dementia UK, with fundraising efforts reaching more than £130,000 during the two-year partnership. This helped Dementia UK to continue its vital work in raising awareness of dementia and supporting families living with the condition.

Find out more information on the partnership here