As I see it: Newark and Sherwood District Council’s portfolio holder for leisure and wellbeing, Susan Crosby, on taking a community approach to health and wellbeing
At Newark and Sherwood District Council we are committed to making continued and meaningful strides in improving the health and wellbeing of residents, with a strong focus on community-led initiatives and inclusive access to services, writes Susan Crosby, portfolio holder for health, wellbeing and leisure.
Between April and July, our leisure partner Active4Today recorded over 389,000 visits to leisure centres - a 13.85% increase compared to the same period last year.
This growth reflects the success of inclusive programmes such as free fun swims and squash sessions for children, bursary gym memberships for young people facing mental health challenges, and disability-inclusive sports sessions.
Outreach work in Ollerton, Boughton, Blidworth, and Bilsthorpe is helping tackle anti-social behaviour through sport, while the VISPA volunteering programme has supported 52 community groups and engaged over 750 residents.
Food education has also been one of our key focuses this past year. Our Food Co-ordinator has delivered Chop and Chat Teens cooking courses in Newark and Blidworth, helping over 80 young people gain practical cooking skills and build friendships across schools.
The Great Newark and Sherwood Cake Baking Challenge has also reached more than 65 young people, encouraging creativity and confidence through themed baking sessions.
Additionally, a new Food Hub in Southwell is being developed to offer affordable food access, supported by Fareshare and the council’s crop drop scheme.
Community gardening is flourishing too. The launch of Grow Balderton, the district’s largest community garden, is bringing together partners like the Co-op and Salvation Army to create a space that supports mental wellbeing, reduces isolation, and strengthens the local food system.
Workshops like “Make Your Own Worm Farm”, attended by 52 families, are helping children and parents engage with sustainability in fun, hands-on ways.
We continue to support and champion health campaigns across the district which play a vital role in supporting out residents.
Initiatives like Know Your Numbers offer free blood pressure checks in accessible community settings, helping individuals take proactive steps toward managing their health. These checks often lead to follow-up care with GPs, bridging the gap between awareness and action.
In addition, in response to the cost-of-living crisis, we developed the Living Well booklet, a practical guide that connects residents with essential support services. You can find this on the district council website.
Innovation is also driving grassroots change. The Barbers Initiative, created in collaboration with local barbers, is tackling sensitive health topics like prostate cancer awareness and mental health in a familiar, trusted environment.
With 18 barbers involved, the project is helping to break down stigma and encourage open conversations.
These initiatives show how health and wellbeing are being embedded into everyday life across Newark and Sherwood - not just through services, but through spaces, skills, and shared experiences.
By working closely with residents, partners, and volunteers, the district council is helping to shape a district where wellbeing is part of the fabric of community life, and where everyone has the opportunity to live well.