Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility Seriously Social 2026: Inclusion at Horizon Leisure

Inclusion at Horizon Leisure

Removing barriers. Creating opportunities. Supporting healthier, happier communities.

Making Inclusion Happen

As part of the national Seriously Social campaign, we’re celebrating how Horizon Leisure is helping more people access health, wellbeing and community activity through inclusion.

Behind every number is a person, a story and an opportunity. We’ve worked to remove barriers and help more people access health, wellbeing and community activity.

365 Community Card Members Supported

Helping more people access affordable health and wellbeing opportunities.

70 Active PAYG Participants

Providing flexible ways for people to stay active without a membership.

22 Organisations Worked With

Building strong partnerships to support our local communities.

143 SEND Fair Attendees

Connecting families with services, support and inclusive opportunities.

6 Inclusive Programmes

Creating welcoming activities where everyone can participate and belong.

1 Community Inclusion Officer Driving Change

Dedicated to removing barriers and helping more people get involved.

Discover Seriously Social June 2026

Learn how community leisure is making a real difference across the UK.

Visit Seriously Social

What is Seriously Social?

Seriously Social is a national campaign led by Community Leisure UK. It celebrates the positive impact community leisure organisations have on people’s health, wellbeing and communities.

Every year, leisure trusts across the country come together to share stories, demonstrate social value and highlight the difference they make beyond fitness and sport.

This year’s theme is:

Inclusion

Horizon Leisure has chosen to focus on Inclusion. We believe everyone should feel welcome, supported and able to access opportunities to improve their health and wellbeing.

What Does Inclusion Mean?

Inclusion means creating opportunities for everyone.

Regardless of age, ability, health condition, background or circumstance, we believe everyone should feel welcome, valued and supported.

Our goal is simple:

To remove barriers and help more people access the benefits of physical activity, wellbeing support and community connection.

Meet Juliet

At the heart of our inclusion work is Juliet Bowskill, Horizon’s Community Inclusion Officer.

Juliet works alongside local organisations, healthcare providers, schools, charities and community groups to ensure our services reach the people who need them most.

Over the past year, Juliet has helped build partnerships, launch new initiatives and create opportunities that have improved access to health and wellbeing across our communities.

How We’re Making a Difference

Our inclusion work focuses on removing barriers and creating opportunities through targeted programmes, partnerships and community support.

Explore some of the projects helping us create healthier, happier communities.

The Horizon Community Card helps make health and wellbeing more accessible by reducing the cost of activities and memberships for eligible individuals and families.

Since launching, we’ve supported 365 Community Card members, helping more people stay active, improve their wellbeing and feel connected to their community.

Card holders benefit from:

• 40% off Pay As You Go activities
• 30% off memberships
• Savings on gym sessions, swimming, fitness classes and family activities

By removing financial barriers, the Community Card helps ensure that cost isn’t a barrier to living a healthier, happier life.

THRIVE provides free and low-cost activities for children and young people, creating safe, welcoming spaces where they can build confidence, make friends and develop new skills.

Launching in Summer 2026, the THRIVE Youth Hub has been developed in partnership with Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary and the Havant & Waterlooville Primary Care Network to provide positive opportunities for young people aged 13–17.

 

The hub offers a safe place to socialise, access support and take part in activities, helping young people feel connected, valued and included within their community. By removing barriers to participation, we’re creating opportunities for more young people to belong and thrive.

Everyone deserves the opportunity to take part, feel welcome and belong. Our SEND programme helps remove barriers through dedicated activities, supportive environments and familiar routines.

From SEND swimming lessons and Inclusive Sports Club to Family Bounce & Play, SENDsational Bounce & Move and SEND swimming sessions, we’re creating opportunities for children, young people and adults to build confidence, stay active and connect with their community. Sensory bags and THRIVE Stories help make every visit feel more comfortable and predictable.

Creating inclusive communities is something we can’t do alone. That’s why we’ve worked closely with 22 local charities, support organisations and community groups to help more people access opportunities, support and connection.

 

From supporting families through Hampshire Healthy Families, helping neurodivergent individuals through the Sunflower Scheme, providing opportunities for SEND participants with The Wave Project, and working alongside organisations such as Bridge to Unity and Rotary Club Havant, our partnerships help us reach people who may otherwise face barriers to participation.

For some people, taking the first step towards becoming more active can feel overwhelming. Through our referral programmes and community wellbeing initiatives, we’re helping people improve their health in a safe, supportive and welcoming environment.

 

Working alongside local healthcare partners, including GP practices, we provide opportunities such as wellbeing walks, the Health Referral Scheme and the Live Stronger Programme. These pathways help people build confidence, improve their physical and mental wellbeing, and connect with others in their community.

Inclusion starts with meeting people where they are. Throughout the year, our Community Inclusion Officer attends local events, wellbeing fairs, support groups, schools and community hubs to connect with residents who may not know what support is available to them.

These events provide an opportunity to share information about our Community Card, SEND activities, wellbeing programmes and wider services, while listening to the experiences of local families and individuals. From SEND Futures Evenings and wellbeing fairs to support groups and community outreach events, we’re helping people discover opportunities, build confidence and access support in a welcoming environment.

Our Partnerships

Real Stories. Real Impact.

Behind every programme, partnership and event are people whose lives have been positively impacted through community leisure.

Read how we’ve changed the community for the better.

Continuing to Break Down Barriers

Inclusion is not a project with an end date. It’s an ongoing commitment to creating healthier, happier and more connected communities.

We’re proud of the progress we’ve made, but we know there is always more to do. Through partnerships, innovation and listening to our communities, we’ll continue to:

✓ Expand our community partnerships

✓ Grow our Community Card programme

✓ Increase opportunities for SEND participants

✓ Launch THRIVE Youth Hub

✓ Develop new inclusive activities and support pathways

Building Healthier, Happier Communities Together

From local partnerships and inclusive programmes to national campaigns, inclusion is helping more people access opportunities to improve their health and wellbeing.

Find out why inclusion matters and how community leisure organisations are making a difference across the UK.