BH Live is celebrating national recognition after being shortlisted as a finalist in the Healthier Communities Award category at the prestigious ukactive Awards 2026.
The award celebrates organisations that inspire more people to make physical activity and wellbeing part of everyday life, recognising initiatives that demonstrate meaningful community engagement, respond to local needs, and deliver measurable outcomes for the communities they serve.
As one of the UK’s leading leisure and event charities, BH Live has been named among the finalists for its Cancer Rehabilitation Programme in Bournemouth, an initiative created to help individuals diagnosed with and recovering from cancer boost confidence, improve wellbeing, and rebuild strength,
The programme has been delivered for more than 10 years and is led by Viv Galpin, Health and Wellbeing Manager in Bournemouth. Viv shared;
“Being shortlisted for the ukactive Healthier Communities Award is a fantastic achievement for our Cancer Rehabilitation Programme and everyone involved in its delivery. For more than a decade, we’ve been helping people diagnosed with and recovering from cancer rebuild strength, improve their wellbeing, and gain the confidence to be active again.
“The programme is about much more than exercise; it’s about creating a supportive community where people can connect, share experiences, and take positive steps forward in their recovery. We’re delighted that its impact has been recognised nationally.”
BH Live is a registered charity and social enterprise and a leading leisure centre and event venue operator. The charity operates BH Live Active leisure centres across Dorset and Hampshire in partnership with local authorities.
Through its health and wellbeing programmes, BH Live continues to support people of all ages and abilities to engage with physical activity and wellbeing initiatives designed to reduce barriers to participation and address local health priorities.
On behalf of BH Live, Rob Cunningham, Director of Leisure and Business Development, shared;
“We are delighted to be shortlisted for the ukactive Healthier Communities Award. This recognition reflects the dedication of our teams, partners, and participants who work together every day to help more people enjoy the benefits of being active.
“At BH Live, we are committed to creating welcoming and inclusive opportunities that support healthier lifestyles and stronger communities. Being named a finalist is a fantastic achievement and recognition of the positive impact our programmes continue to have across the communities we serve.”
The ukactive Awards celebrate excellence across the physical activity, leisure, and fitness sector, recognising organisations and initiatives that are helping to improve the health of the nation.
Winners will be announced at the ukactive Awards ceremony in Birmingham on Thursday 8 October 2026. More information about the awards can be found online at ukactive.com/ukactive-awards.
For more information about BH Live, visit bhlive.org.uk.
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Notes to Editors:
For more information about BH Live please contact:
Daisy Saunders, PR & Communications Executive
E: press.office@bhlive.org.uk
About BH Live
Champions of community engagement, health and wellness across Dorset, Hampshire, and London
BH Live, a registered charity and social enterprise, is a leading operator of sports and leisure centres, theatres, and event venues.
BH Live (Enterprises) Limited is a wholly owned trading subsidiary of the parent organisation, established to manage the non-charitable activities, primarily relating to Conferences and Exhibitions.
Our vision is to create sustainable and inspiring opportunities, deliver great experiences for our communities, and improve health and well-being.
With a strong commitment to accessibility and community engagement, BH Live continues to enhance the quality of people’s lives, health and wellbeing in the communities it serves.
BH Live was established in 2010. Local authority partners include BCP Council, Portsmouth City Council, Croydon Council, and Southampton City Council.
We are at the heart of the UK’s growing social economy. Together with our partners we are helping to change lives and make a positive impact in the community.
For more visit bhlive.org.uk.
Get social with us:
LinkedIn – BH Live
Facebook – @SocialEnterpriseBHLive
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Head office address: Bournemouth International Centre, Exeter Road, Bournemouth, BH2 5BH, DORSET
BH Live is a leisure and cultural trust, established in 2010 as a ‘non profit distributing organisation’ (NPDO) for public benefit to promote participation in leisure and cultural events. BH Live is a Company Limited by Guarantee and Registered Charity. Charity No: 1138311. Company No: 07092112. VAT Reg No: 108 2248 37. BH Live (Enterprises) Ltd, is a Private Company Limited by Shares and a wholly owned subsidiary of BH Live. Company No: 07175626. VAT Reg No: 108 2248 37. Registered Office: Bournemouth International Centre, Exeter Road, Bournemouth, BH2 5BH. Registered in England and Wales.