Community Champions in Leighton Buzzard are unveiled
“We are incredibly excited to support Yes We Can and Tuff2Talk CIC, which we hope will make a real difference in Central Bedfordshire”
A community scheme offering unsung heroes support from local leisure facilities in Central Bedfordshire has announced its two successful applicants.
Leisure operator Everyone Active, which runs Central Bedfordshire Council’s six leisure centres, including the brand-new Leighton Leisure and Community Centre and Flitwick Leisure Centre, launched Community Champions last year to support projects which are tackling local issues and changing lives.
People involved in mentoring, promoting health and wellbeing, supporting inclusivity or leading environmental or cultural projects were encouraged once again to apply for 2026.
The award-winning operator has pledged more than £65,000 to support 67 local community projects, continuing its commitment to building stronger communities while recognising the dedication of local people who go above and beyond every day.
The first project chosen was Leighton Linslade Rotary Club’s Yes We Can programme, created to provide accessible, affordable and sustainable sporting opportunities for those with a disability, both visible and non-visible. This programme supports Otters Disability Swimming Club, who are able to use swim facilities at Leighton Leisure and Community Centre through Community Champions.
The second project selected was Tuff2Talk CIC, a men’s mental health advocacy service which stages workshops, presentations, social gatherings and collaborates with local mental health and wellbeing services.
Yes We Can and Tuff2Talk CIC will secure valuable use of facilities within Leighton Leisure and Community Centre and Flitwick Leisure Centre, respectively, to help them carry out their work. Everyone Active will raise awareness of this work to strengthen connections, encourage civic engagement and foster a culture of giving back.
The two projects are also eligible to be shortlisted for the annual Everyone Active Champions Awards.
Gary Foley, Everyone Active’s contract manager, said: “We are incredibly excited to support Yes We Can and Tuff2Talk CIC, which we hope will make a real difference in Central Bedfordshire.
“We want to emphasise the work of everyday heroes who are changing people’s lives and inspiring others to make a positive impact in their communities.
“Yes We Can and Tuff2Talk CIC are the perfect fit for us and we are thrilled to welcome them into the Community Champions fold.”
Richard Johnson OBE, chair of the Yes We Can programme team, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have been chosen as one of Everyone Active’s Community Champions. Our mission to provide sporting opportunities for those with a disability fits superbly with the work Everyone Active are doing and we look forward to working with the excellent staff at Leighton Leisure and Community Centre to highlight the area as a Centre of Excellence for Disability Sport.”
Matt Earles, Tuff2Talk founder, said: “Tuff2Talk CIC is proud to be chosen as a Community Champion, strengthening our mission to support those struggling with their mental health through meaningful physical activity. As a former amateur boxing coach and qualified personal trainer, I’ve seen first‑hand the intrinsic link between physical and psychological wellbeing.
“Tuff2Talk is built on boxing values – resilience, discipline and community – and we’re proud to use respected role models from the boxing fraternity to show that real strength comes from speaking up, not bottling things away. This partnership allows us to help more people move, talk and take positive steps toward recovery.”
Cllr Steven Watkins, Executive Member for Leisure at Central Bedfordshire Council, said: “We are delighted to see the continued success of Everyone Active's Community Champions scheme and to congratulate this year's recipients. Both organisations are making a real difference in our communities by promoting wellbeing and opportunities for local people. Through this partnership, they will be able to reach even more residents and continue their valuable work. We are proud to work with Everyone Active to support initiatives that strengthen communities and improve quality of life across Central Bedfordshire.”
Everyone Active also runs the Sporting Champions scheme, which empowers aspiring athletes to achieve their full potential through access to state-of-the-art training facilities and invaluable mentoring support from Olympians and Paralympians.
Since its inception in 2016, the scheme has elevated the sporting careers of more than 6,000 athletes by providing them with free access to Everyone Active's 250-plus leisure centres nationwide.