A groundbreaking new scheme offering unsung heroes support from local leisure facilities in Bristol has announced its successful applicants.

The successful local applicants are Bristol City Robins Foundation and Knives Down Guards Up.

The Robins Foundation’s F3 programme is dedicated to offering safe spaces and breaking down significant barriers that limit women – particularly from diverse, ethnic and religious backgrounds – from accessing movement, sport and wellness.

Sessions from the project provide weekly opportunities for women aged 16 and over to engage in physical activity.

Shelim Ali from the Knives Down Guards Up project with the Everyone Active team

placeholder image — Shelim Ali from the Knives Down Guards Up project with the Everyone Active team

Knives Down Guards Up, which was created in response to rising knife crime within communities, is another successful applicant which provides young people with a positive outlet through free karate and self-defence seminars.

Leisure operator Everyone Active, which runs Easton Leisure Centre, Bristol South Swimming Pool, Henbury Leisure Centre, Horfield Leisure Centre and St Pauls Community Sports Academy in partnership with Bristol City Council, launched Community Champions 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 to apply.

The award-winning operator wants to play its part in building stronger communities and recognising the dedication of those who go above and beyond.

The Robins Foundation’s F3 programme is dedicated to offering safe spaces for women in fitness

Both projects will secure valuable use of facilities to help them carry out their work, with The Robins Foundation running F3 sessions within Easton Leisure Centre and Knives Down Guards Up offering seminars in St Pauls Community Sports Academy. Everyone Active will raise awareness of this work to strengthen connections, encourage civic engagement and foster a culture of giving back.

The project is also eligible to be shortlisted for the annual Everyone Active Champions Awards.

Cameron Bate, Everyone Active’s contract manager, said: “We are hugely excited to support The Robins Foundation and Knives Down Guards Up, projects making a real difference in Bristol.

“We want to highlight the work of everyday heroes who are changing people’s lives and inspiring others to make a positive impact in their communities.

Knives Down Guards Up, which was created in response to rising knife crime within communities, is a successful applicant which provides young people with a positive outlet through free karate and self-defence seminars.

“F3 and Knives Down Guards Up are the perfect fit for us and we are delighted to welcome them into the Community Champions fold.”

“We want to highlight the work of everyday heroes who are changing people’s lives and inspiring others to make a positive impact in their communities.”

Shelim Ali, of Knives Down Guards Up, said: “I live in Bristol and was once caught up in mischief and misguided paths until starting Scorpion Karate Academy in 1998. In recent years, with the rise in knife crime in our city, I launched a free karate and self-defence seminar under the M32, working with inner-city young people to empower them and show that we all have choices.

“Karate isn’t about fighting – it’s about discipline, foundation, structure and guidance while building lifelong skills. ‘Knives Down, Guards Up’ became more than just teaching young people, it was about showing communities that we can step up together.

“Getting space at Everyone Active centres will mean so much to me. I have always said that safe spaces are essential for building trust and respect, and for helping young people build positive relationships that last. With this space, we can give our young people a place to grow, learn and thrive. Let our karate journey begin.”

Councillor Stephen Williams, Chair of the Public Health and Communities Committee, said: “I would like to extend a heartfelt congratulations to The Robins Foundation’s F3 programme and Knives Down Guards Up on their new roles as Community Champions.

“Organisations such as these are going above and beyond to support their local communities and it's brilliant to see their hard work recognised and rewarded.

“I’ve no doubt that both The Robins Foundation and Knives Down Guards Up will make excellent use of Everyone Active’s facilities as they continue making a lasting impact in east and central Bristol with their vital outreach work.”

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 240-plus leisure centres nationwide.