Next month, residents across Portsmouth and the BCP region will be invited to donate a gift for a child or young adult at their local BH Live Active leisure centre.
Gifts will be distributed to local children, young people and their families under the care of Julia’s House Children’s Hospices (Bournemouth) or Naomi House and Jacksplace (Portsmouth).
Collections are taking place across all BH Live Active centres between Monday 2 December 2024-Sunday 15 December 2024*. Julia’s House, and Naomi House and Jacksplace, support children from 0-18 years. Welcome gifts include vouchers, sensory items, books, pamper items, fidget toys, soft toys, board games, or card games.
Monetary donations will also be gratefully accepted at juliashouse.org.uk and naomihouse.org.uk/donate. More advice on gift ideas is online at bhliveactive.org.uk/donate-a-toy-faq. Customers are also encouraged to chat with a member of the team in their local centre if they have any questions.
As a registered charity and social enterprise, BH Live continues to support local causes such as Julia’s House through partnerships and charitable activities. In addition, BH Live is supporting Julia’s House Great Tail Trail as an official Community Partner, which comes to Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole in Spring 2025.
On behalf of BH Live, Rob Cunningham, Director of Leisure and Business Development, shared;
“It is a privilege to continue our support of the great work Julia’s House and Naomi House and Jacksplace do through this special gift donation. We encourage customers to donate whatever they can to bring some festive joy to children and their families across the region – who are facing some of the toughest times. Our teams unanimously agreed to support this incredible cause – we hope that we can bring lots of smiles to children’s faces.”
Julia’s House is a children’s hospice charity that provides critical and compassionate care to families of the most seriously ill children across Dorset and Wiltshire.
Katie Thompson, Julia’s House Business and Community Fundraiser, said:
“We’re hugely grateful to BH Live and their customers for their continued support for Julia’s House and generosity throughout the year. As a charity, we rely on donations to provide our critical and compassionate care for the most seriously ill children in our local community.
“At Christmas time especially, we want to help bring light, laughter and comfort to the families we support. Each special donation made will help to sprinkle a little extra Christmas magic this year – thank you!”
Naomi House and Jacksplace is a charity and hospices for children’s and young adults’ that provide care for more than 500 children with life limiting or life threatening conditions across central Southern England.
Pete Abrahams, Head of Supporter Services at Naomi House & Jacksplace, shared;
“At Naomi House & Jacksplace, our compassionate care team help children, young adults, and their families create precious memories during difficult times. This is only possible because of generous support like this. Thank you to BH Live and their customers for helping us make magical memories for the families in our care this Christmas.”
On behalf of Portsmouth City Council, Cllr Lee Hunt, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Leisure & Sport said:
“It’s inspiring to see our partners at BH Live stepping up once again to support such a meaningful cause. Our city is home to so many kind-hearted and generous residents, and we encourage anyone who is able to join this initiative and contribute. Your support could genuinely make a difference in someone’s life.”
For more information about Julia’s House visit juliashouse.org.uk.
For more information about Naomi House and Jacksplace visit naomihouse.org.uk.
For more information about BH Live, visit bhlive.org.uk.
-ENDS-
Notes to Editors:
*Participating centres across Bournemouth and Poole include BH Live Active, Corfe Mullen; BH Live Active, Queen’s Park; Littledown, Pelhams, Stokewood, and Sir David English Sports Centre.
Participating centres across Portsmouth include Mountbatten and Pyramids.
Items that can be accepted include gift vouchers, sensory items, books, pamper items, fidget toys, soft toys, board games, card games and sealed chocolates and sweets with a long shelf life. The cause will be supporting children from 0-18 years old.
Donations must be in new condition and sealed in their original packaging (no gift-wrapping please). Any battery-operated items must be donated with batteries unused (still in the packet) taped to the side. Wrapping paper and gift bags will also be accepted at donation points.
Cash donations cannot be accepted in-centre but can be donated directly at juliashouse.org.uk.
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. 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 and Croydon 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, X – @BHLIVE_UK | Facebook @SocialEnterpriseBHLive | Instagram @bhliveuk
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.
About Littledown Centre
Littledown is operated by the registered charity BH Live in partnership with BCP Council.
Set in 47 acres of parkland, Littledown has some of the finest leisure, swimming, football and gym facilities in the country.
It is ranked among the top performing leisure centres in the UK, is accredited by quality scheme QUEST and is a National Fitness Award winner for the Local Authority/Leisure Trust Gym of the Year and finalist for the Best Group Exercise Gym of the Year.
It has more than 1.2 million attendances a year and is home to clubs including BH Live’s Swimming Academy, Swim Bournemouth, Littledown Juniors Football Club and Play Football. Indoor facilities include 25-metre and 17-metre swimming pools for lane swimming, public swimming sessions, pool-based classes and lessons. There is also a splash pool, steam room and sauna.
The venue has one of the largest gyms in the region complete with activity programmes for young people, and support for people recovering from an illness, injury or who are living with a long-term health condition. There are multiple training zones with ground level and lift access. There is something to suit every activity preference and level of fitness with cardio equipment, free weights and functional fitness training space. Hundreds of group exercise classes run seven days a week such as Group Cycle sessions, circuits, yoga, Pilates, HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training) and Les Mills™ classes including BodyBalance, BodyPump, BodyCombat, BodyAttack, Sprint and more.
There is a large sports hall for events and multi-sport activities including trampolining, badminton, table tennis, football and gymnastics. Open to members and non members is Littledown’s Terrace Café (with soft play for under 5s) and Lookout at Littledown Bar (18+ only), each with free customer WiFi. Here you can buy all sorts of snacks, meals and drinks to enjoy indoors or outdoors for al fresco refueling, eating, drinking and socialising.
Outdoor features include six floodlit 3G rubber crumb training pitches, grass football pitches, parkland for recreation and events, a cricket pitch and pavilion, lake, children’s playground, a paddling pool (open summer months only), outdoor catering and free customer parking for up to three hours seven days a week. Littledown Park is also home to Littledown Miniature Railway.
ANPR is in operation at BH Live Active, Littledown. Customers get free customer parking for up to 3 hours seven days a week. Charges apply for longer stays.
For more visit bhliveactive.org.uk/littledown
Get social with us: X and Instagram @bhliveactive | Facebook @littledowncentre
About Stokewood Leisure Centre
Stokewood opened as a public baths in 1930.
It is now operated by the registered charity BH Live in partnership with BCP Council.
Set in the heart of the Winton/Charminster area of Bournemouth, Stokewood is a thriving community leisure centre with circa 300,000 attendances a year.
There is a well-equipped gym which is split over two levels with lift access. The group exercises class timetable is extensive with more than 70 classes each week spanning from HIIT to spin to yoga.
In 2024, the centre’s poolside changing rooms were completely transformed with new shower facilities, lockers and toilets. Accessible changing rooms are also available.
The centre is home to local sports clubs for activities including triathlon, water polo, lifeguard training, and Kanku Shotokan Karate. Stokewood is also popular for hosting pool parties, school swimming lessons and Bournemouth Swimming Academy activities.
Free customer parking including accessible spaces for blue badge holders, subject to availability.
For more visit bhliveactive.org.uk/stokewood
Get social with us: X and Instagram @bhliveactive | Facebook @stokewoodleisurecentre
About Pelhams Park Leisure Centre
Located in Kinson (North Bournemouth), BH Live Active, Pelhams is operated by the registered charity BH Live in partnership with BCP Council.
A vibrant community hub, the team at Pelhams works closely with the local community and health groups to provide fitness and social activities for all.
High-quality fitness facilities include a recently refurbished gym (2023) with natural daylight and park views. Equipment includes Technogym’s cardio, resistance equipment for strength and toning, free weights and functional fitness space. An exercise referral team provides guidance and support for people recovering from an illness, injury or who are living with long term health condition.
Swimming facilities include two pools with lane swimming, public swim sessions, pool-based classes, fun for young people, lessons and more. There is also a sauna for post workout relaxation.
Group exercise classes run seven days a week including Les Mills™ BodyPump, BodyJam, BodyCombat, Sprint, Dance, Lifting Techniques, HIIT, yoga, Pilates, Core, Zumba and so much more. There also a dedicated Technogym Group cycle studio with daily classes.
Pelhams is home to BH Live Active’s only Wellness Hub. With power-assisted exercise equipment and classes, this specialist area is a great introduction to being more active. (not included in standard adult membership; extra charges apply).
Open to members and non members there is a Terrace Café with free customer WiFi and a children’s soft play facility. Here you can buy snacks, meals and drinks to enjoy indoors or outdoors.
Outdoors there are outdoor tennis courts for hire plus floodlit 3G rubber crumb artificial training pitches. A £240K investment to refurbish the five-a-side football pitches completed in November 2024.
Free customer parking including accessible spaces for blue badge holders, subject to availability.
For more visit bhliveactive.org.uk/pelhams
Get social with us: X and Instagram @bhliveactive | Facebook @pelhamsparkleisurecentre
About Sir David English Sports Centre
Sir David English Sports Centre is operated by the registered charity BH Live in partnership with Bournemouth School Charitable Trust.
Located on East Way close to Castlepoint shopping centre, the centre has lots of high-quality fitness facilities including a well-equipped gym complete with cardio zone, free weights area, resistance machines and functional fitness spaces.
It has a multi purpose group exercise studio with a timetable of group exercise classes running seven days a week including Les Mills™ BodyPump, BodyCombat and Core, circuits, Pilates, yoga, family gym sessions and more.
The centre also is a community sports venue and a hub for club activities, promoting grassroots sports development and working closely with neighbouring schools to encourage young people to be active.
Outdoors there are three six-a-side 3G rubber crumb training pitches and eight netball courts where teams regularly train and compete on a local, regional and national level.
The centre is also home to AirJumpX, a super-sized indoor inflatable obstacle course with a giant side, jelly mountain, wipe-out balls, and assault course. Public sessions and birthday packages are available.
A brand-new Terrace Café opened in summer 2024.
Free customer parking including accessible spaces for blue badge holders, subject to availability.
Find out more at bhliveactive.org.uk/sir-david-english
Get social with us:
X and Instagram – @bhliveactive | Facebook – @SirDavidEnglishSportsCentre
About BH Live Active, Queen’s Park
Situated close to Queen’s Park Golf Course near Charminster, BH Live Active, Queen’s Park is open to all seven days a week.
It is operated by the registered charity BH Live.
There are multiple well-equipped gym rooms over two floors with a full range of cardiovascular, resistance machines, free weights, functional fitness equipment, and workout zones.
Dedicated wellbeing areas and fitness studios include a brand new Technogym Group Cycle experience and a studio for mindfulness and relaxation.
There is a weekly timetable of classes and activities including Les Mills TM BodyPump, BodyBalance, Sprint, RPM, BodyAttack, yoga and Pilates.
Additional features at BH Live Active, Queen’s Park include a Terrace Café complete with free customer WiFi. Here you can buy all sorts of snacks and drinks to enjoy indoors or outdoors.
Entry into BH Live Active, Queen’s Park is via a set of stairs – there is no ground level access into or around, the building. Alternative facilities with ground-level access and lift facilities are available at Littledown, Stokewood, Sir David English Sports Centre and Pelhams Park.
ANPR is in operation at BH Live Active, Queen’s Park. All visitors must register vehicles in centre on arrival to get free customer parking for up to 2.5 hours per visit.
Find out more at bhliveactive.org.uk/queens-park
Get social with us: X and Instagram @bhliveactive | Facebook @bhliveactivequeenspark
About BH Live Active, Corfe Mullen
BH Live Active, Corfe Mullen is situated in East Dorset. It is a lively community hub, with high-quality fitness facilities for all.
It is operated by the registered charity BH Live.
The gym has two levels, each with lift, access to a cardio zone, free weights, resistance machines for strength and toning, plus functional fitness areas.
There’s a packed programme of group exercise classes running seven days a week. They include Les Mills™ BodyPump, BodyJam, BodyCombat, Legs Bums and Tums, Sprint, Dance, Bootcamp, Health circuits, HIIT classes, yoga, Pilates, Core, Zumba and much more. Plus, there is a dedicated group cycle studio with daily classes.
The swimming facilities at Corfe Mullen are bright and welcoming offering lane swimming pool-based classes and lessons. There are also steam and sauna facilities.
Open to members and non members there is a Terrace Café with free customer WiFi and a children’s soft play facility. Here you can buy all sorts of snacks, meals and drinks to enjoy indoors or outdoors.
Free customer parking including accessible spaces for blue badge holders, subject to availability.
The centre is a winner of Sporta’s Impact of New Facility award, and was a Newcomer of the Year finalist in UK Active’s National Fitness Awards.
Find out more at bhlive.org.uk/corfe-mullen
Get social with us: X and Instagram @bhliveactive | Facebook @bhliveactivecorfemullen
These leisure centres are owned by Portsmouth City Council and run by registered charity BH Live:
Mountbatten Leisure Centre
Portsmouth’s flagship leisure and event venue. Located in the heart of Hilsea, Mountbatten is located just a short distance from Portsmouth’s city centre. Its large well equipped gym, accessible by lift, has multiple zones with something to suit every activity preference and level of fitness. Dedicated training areas have lots of cardio kit to choose from, free weights, functional fitness spaces and more. With health and wellbeing professionals on hand, there is also an exercise referral team to offer guidance and support if recovering from an illness, injury or long term health condition. Group exercise classes run seven days a week and include Les Mills™ BodyPump, BodyCombat, Sprint, Grit, Group Cycle, Bootcamp, Shapes, yoga, Pilates, aqua, group cycle, circuits, and more.
There is a 50 metre swimming pool (divided into two) with regular public swimming sessions, lane swimming, pool-based classes and lessons. There is also a smaller teaching pool for little ones and lessons. Mountbatten is home to AquaDash – a large pool inflatable course – great fun for young people, team building away days, and parties. Spa facilities include a sauna, spa bath and steam room.Mountbatten offers a broad health and wellbeing programme which focuses on helping people with long-term conditions to stay active and build their confidence in one one-on-one or group settings
Mountbatten is also home to a Clip ‘N Climb leisure attraction and an eight-court sports hall where multi-sport activities and events are held throughout the year in partnership with local clubs and schools. An outdoor velodrome and athletics track hosts regular training, events and competitions throughout the year.
Open to members and non members a Terrace Café has free customer WiFi and a children’s soft play facility. Here you can buy all sorts of snacks, meals and drinks.
From August 2024, ANPR will be in operation. There is free customer parking for up to four hours seven days a week with accessible spaces for Blue Badge holders. Charges apply for longer stays – see car park signage for details.
Find out more at bhliveactive.org.uk/mountbatten
Get social with us: X & Facebook @mountbattenlc | Instagram @bhliveactive
Pyramids Centre
BH Live Active, Pyramids is situated in Southsea overlooking the beach and Solent. There is something to suit every activity preference and level of fitness. The centre has state-of-the-art Technogym fitness equipment in an airy spacious gym with a wide range of functional fitness, strength and cardio activities. There is a dedicated assessment area for those who are new to exercise complete with fitness tracking technology to help set activity goals.
Pyramids has four activity studios. The Glasshouse and Solent each have stunning seaviews. There is also the region’s only dedicated HIIT studio running circuits style HIT classes and a Technogym Group cycle studio. Group exercise classes run seven days a week including Group Cycling, HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training), Yoga, Pilates and classes as part of the Les MillsTM programme including BodyPump, BodyCombat and Core.
As part of BH Live Active’s multisite membership, members can also use the gym, pools and classes at Mountbatten and Charter.
Next to Pyramids is a public car park with 154 parking spaces including six accessible spaces. Up to 90 minutes of free parking is available for customers attending the gym or a class – ask or register in centre. There is also free roadside parking along Clarance Esplanade after 6pm. This car park adjacent to Pyramids is managed by Portsmouth City Council and parking charges apply. – see website for details https://www.portsmouth.gov.uk/
Find out more at bhliveactive.org.uk/pyramids
Get social with us:
X and Instagram @bhliveactive | Facebook @Pyramids.Centre
Exploria
Exploria at Pyramids in Southsea opened in 2021. It is Portsmouth’s largest indoor soft play and bounce attraction. With a range of exciting experiences, Exploria stimulates play for children aged 6 months and upwards. A tantalising sense of wonder and extreme fun across three connected worlds gives children plenty of action to amaze and delight. Everything, from floor to ceiling, evokes a sense of mystery with lots of jumps, leaps and thrills. All safely rightsized to inspire juniors, toddlers and babies alike.
The bounce zone is great for burning off tons of energy. The diving tower with air bag is perfect for the bravest of explorers. There are interactive games, themed slides. agility parkour, battle beams and foam pits too. Our play zone features ball pits, spider’s web and cargo climbing, a rope bridge skywalk, bash bags, tunnels, rollers, beams plus a dodge ball shoot out. And the baby and toddler zone has all things Exploria, but downsized for little ones of preschool age. There are quieter SEN play and bounce sessions plus a dedicated sensory room with stimulating lights, sound and touch. Four themed party rooms based on Volcanos, an underwater world, Mayan Ruins and Egyptian tomb – great for celebrating special occasions and birthdays, A dedicated Exploria café serves delicious snacks, light bites and drinks. And there’s toilets, accessible facilities, baby change, lockers, and a buggy park too. Exploria can accommodate school group bookings too – a great way to reward a class or year group.
For more and to book online visit exploria.org.uk
Get social with us on Facebook & Instagram @exploriauk
Exploria is located at Clarence Esplanade, Southsea, Portsmouth, PO5 3ST.
There is a pay and display public car park with 154 parking spaces including six accessible spaces. This car park is managed by Portsmouth City Council and parking charges apply. – see website for details https://www.portsmouth.gov.uk/
“Great fun, good place to go with family and kids. nice, clean, friendly. I recommend this place for families and kids.”
Portsmouth Gymnastics Centre
Located in Hilsea, a five-minute drive from Portsmouth city centre and next to Mountbatten, Portsmouth Gymnastics Centre is one the leading gymnastics facilities in the country.
A purpose-built gymnastics training facility provides young people and adults the opportunity to develop to a competition level with an artistic and acrobatic gymnastics club programme.
For more visit bhliveactive.org.uk/gymnastics-centre
Get social with us:
Facebook @PortsmouthGymnasticsCentre | X & Instagram @bhliveactive
Portsmouth Tennis Centre
Situated in the north of Portsmouth (Hilsea) next to Mountbatten. Portsmouth Tennis Centre consists of four indoor courts and six floodlit outdoor courts.
There is a comprehensive coaching programme caters for all ages and abilities. Sessions are available for tots, juniors, adults and also includes variations of the sport such as cardio tennis and touch tennis.
For more visit bhliveactive.org.uk/tennis-centre
Get social with us:
X @PortsTennis | Facebook @PortsmouthTC | Instagram @PortsmouthTennisCentre
Wimbledon Park Sports Centre
Located a five-minute drive from Portsmouth city centre, Wimbledon Park Sports Centre has a large sports hall with access to activities such as badminton and indoor sports.
For more visit bhliveactive.org.uk/wimbledon-park
Get social with us:
Facebook @WimbledonParkSportsCentre | X & Instagram @bhliveactive
Charter Community Sports Centre – Located in Portsmouth’s busy university district, a five-minute drive from Portsmouth city centre, Charter Community Sports Centre offers access to swimming, gym, group exercise classes and sports hall activities. There is also an outdoor multi-use games area.
For more visit bhliveactive.org.uk/charter
Get social with us: Facebook @CharterCommunitySC | X & Instagram @bhliveactive