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.