Happy New Year, and welcome to the latest edition of the BPL newsletter!
Thank you to everyone who chose to celebrate with us over the festive period.
We loved seeing you for our themed music nights, afternoon teas, Christmas parties and New Year’s Eve celebrations.
After a busy end to 2023, we’re already looking ahead to what this year has in store, as well as rounding up the latest happenings and events across our sites.
Read on to find out more!
Out and About
We were proud to be among the sponsors for Barnsley Hospital Charity’s Shine Bright for Barnsley Christmas campaign, attending a special celebration event at the hospital.
Local businesses, schools and individuals sponsored stars to show their support for the campaign.
Some of our team recently attended the ukActive Awards in Leeds, where BPL was nominated for the Marketing Campaign Award.
After winning this award in 2022, it was great to make the finals once again and receive a Highly Commended mention from the judges, recognising the ongoing success of our What’s Your Space? Marketing campaign.
Success stories
Congratulations to BPL swimming teacher Robert Blackburn, who was named Charity Fundraiser of the Year at the Proud of Barnsley Awards!
For the last 10 years, Robert has completed sponsored swims to raise money for a range of causes close to his heart, including Barnsley Hospital’s neonatal unit, Macmillan Cancer Support and Alzheimer’s Society.
So far, he’s raised over £11,700 and hopes to pass the £12,000 mark this year.
It’s been a busy time for Bassetlaw Swim Squad, who recently hosted a successful open meet with the help of Your Space teams at Worksop and Kilton.
Also, well done to BSS’ Jacob Hodkinson, who won gold at the East Midlands Short Course Championships.
The latest BPL ‘elf kick’ initiative saw more staff than ever taking part across our sites.
The six-week challenge encourages a commitment to healthy lifestyles and also measures weight, BMI and blood pressure at week one and then again with a final appointment at week six.
Charity Events
Our fantastic staff and members celebrated the spirit of giving over Christmas.
There were many examples of generosity across our sites, including at Your Space Metrodome, where selection boxes and chocolates were collected to donate to the children of families undergoing treatment at Barnsley Hospice.
Meanwhile, Your Space Hoyland raised over £1,800 for Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice, as well as a huge donation of toys. Your Space Dearneside collected donations of toys and gifts for the Salvation Army’s Christmasappeal, and head office staff donated to the Clothing Bank UK.
What’s On?
Unlock your winter wellness journey at Your Space!
Are you ready to get your fitness journey started in 2024?
At Your Space, we’re more than just a gym. Step into our clubs and experience a warm and friendly atmosphere where our dedicated team goes above and beyond to help you reach your goals.
Join us for free this winter and save £25 using promo code SAVE25
Local people of all ages have been enjoying the wide range of activities on offer at Dorothy Hyman Sports Centre.
Over the past few months, the centre has launched sessions including Glow in the Dark Dodgeball, Funetics and Kurling, which have all proved popular.
Community Sports Development Officer Connor Pickles has been working with the local community to identify opportunities for different activity sessions and gain valuable feedback.
Are you ready to make a splash and win some fantastic prizes?
Take part in our interactive Swim to Win game, where the fastest and most skilled swimmers can be crowned champions and claim fantastic rewards, such as a discount on your next visit to the Metrodome Waterpark!
Join us for FREE this winter and save £25 using promo code: SAVE25.
At Your Space, we’re more than a gym – we’re a community dedicated to personal well-being and social responsibility.
“Experience the ultimate fitness journey with our “Price for Life” promise, where your monthly joining price becomes your lifelong price – no surprises, just constant value. Stay committed, and let your journey be as rewarding as your results.
We understand that everyone has unique goals, and that’s why we’re here to work alongside you to turn your personal aspirations into reality. As a proud not-for-profit organisation, every penny we earn goes back into enhancing facilities and services, ensuring you have the best experience on your fitness journey. We’re not just committed to making you feel good we’re determined to make our local communities healthier and happier in everything we do!
Step into our clubs and experience a warm and friendly atmosphere where our dedicated team goes beyond the ordinary – they become your fitness friends for life! Embrace a community where connections are made and well-being is celebrated.
At Your Space, our clubs are not just fitness spaces; they’re social hubs where friendships last a lifetime, especially in our classes. Whether you’re diving into the pool or enjoying a fitness class, make a splash into your perfect wellness day!
Turn up the heat this winter or go with the flow because, at any age or ability, Your Space has the perfect environment for you. Join us for a knockout combo of friendship and fun for all, and let this winter be your season of well-being!
Dorothy Hyman Sports Centre is providing greater opportunities for local people to try out new activities – and develop their coaching and leadership skills.
The centre in Cudworth is offering a range of sessions, including Glow in the Dark Dodgeball and Kurling, as well as karate, cricket and goalball sessions for blind and visually impaired children.
Staff have also been working in partnership with England Athletics to deliver Funetics.
These are fun, engaging activity sessions designed to encourage kids aged 4-11 into athletics and create potential pathways for them to progress through Barnsley Athletics Club, which is based at Dorothy Hyman Sports Centre.
The project also linked up with Barnsley College to offer interested students the chance to improve their coaching skills, supported by tutors from England Athletics.
Connor Pickles joined BPL earlier this year in the newly created role of Community Sports Development Officer.
Connor’s remit involves identifying opportunities to deliver different activity sessions, including those which will encourage local kids to be more active.
He works with the community to gain valuable feedback on what they might enjoy and help to break down any barriers to participation.
He said: “As a centre which is such a big part of the community, it’s important that we’re not just offering a gym and that there are opportunities to do more activities, especially for kids.
“Athletics, for example, is a great way to get young people involved in sports and learn new fundamental skills, such as throwing and running. These can then also be useful in other sports.”
Connor is also looking at ways to further strengthen links with local schools to be able to go in and speak to pupils and deliver activity sessions.
He added: “I’m really enjoying the role and helping to grow the reputation of what BPL can offer in terms of community sport.
“It’s been amazing so far. Everyone has been so welcoming, and I’m excited for what’s to come in the future.”
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‘Your Portal’ is part of a new Customer Relations Management (CRM) system aimed at enhancing communication and data management for both members and staff. This upgrade ensures a more efficient experience for all.
With Your Portal, you gain access to a whole load of features:
Book Classes: Whether you’re looking to try out a new fitness class or continue with your favourite one, Your Portal has got you covered. Book classes around your schedule.
Receive Communications: Stay in the know with all the latest updates, announcements, and news from us. Your Portal ensures you never miss out on any important communication.
Manage Your Data: Your Portal provides a secure environment for you to manage your personal data. You have complete control over your information.
At Your Space, we’re committed to providing you with the best possible experience. Our ongoing efforts to improve systems and services are guided by your valuable feedback.
Below, you’ll find essential FAQs addressing, how to sign up, what’s changing, recent updates, features, and how you can actively participate in shaping the future of Your Portal.
If you have further questions or suggestions, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team.
Thank you for being part of the Your Space gang.
‘Your Portal’ FAQs
We’ve introduced ‘Your Portal’ as part of a new customer relations management (CRM) system to improve communication and data management for members and staff, ensuring a more efficient experience for all.
This initiative is in line with our charity status and will allow us to decrease payments to other third-party providers. By doing so, we can reinvest more into our service and products at our sites, furthering our commitment to the communities we serve.
We’re committed to the ongoing enhancement of the portal, and as a valued member, we welcome your feedback to refine our systems. Your insights will help us to continually improve and direct more resources towards our mission. Have suggestions? Reach out to our team for further discussion.”
No, class bookings will be exclusively available on the portal. This change ensures more effective data management and communication between ourselves and members. While class bookings will transition to the portal, you’ll still retain access to all other features on the Your Space app and you will also be able to access ‘Your Portal from the top tile on the homepage. For any inquiries or assistance, feel free to reach out to our team.
To register for the portal, check your email for a registration link sent to the address associated with your membership. If you haven’t received it, contact our team for a resend.
Click on the link and use your registered email. A verification code will be emailed to you; enter it on your device. After successful verification, you’ll land on a contacts page. Provide your details—name, address, telephone number, DOB, and email. Ensure you use the information on our system to avoid duplicate accounts. If unsure about the data in our CRM system, reach out to our team for assistance in completing your portal registration.
Follow these steps to book classes on the portal:
Login: Use your email address and password to log in.
Navigation: Click on the three lines at the top left and choose “Bookings.”
Site Selection: Pick your site.
Class Selection: Choose your desired class.
Date Range: Select a date range, up to 7 days in advance. Pick a start and end date (e.g., 6th to 10th December) to view available classes.
Add to Cart: Click the + button to add your chosen class to your cart.
Checkout: Proceed to checkout and confirm your booking.
Confirmation: A message will confirm your successful booking. Find details in the “My Bookings” section.
That’s it! You’re all set for your class.
Update on Booking Process Improvement:
We’ve carefully reviewed recent member feedback regarding the booking process and are actively working on streamlining it for a better experience. Rest assured, we’ll keep you informed once we have an update. We appreciate your collaboration in enhancing the bookings portal and thank you for your valuable input so far.
Classes will be visible on the bookings portal up to 7 days in advance, allowing members to book their preferred sessions. Based on valuable member feedback, class cancellations can be made on the portal up to 2 hours before the scheduled start time. Providing a reason for the cancellation in the portal ensures that no strike is recorded on the CRM system.
We acknowledge member feedback received since the portal’s launch and have communicated with our development team to incorporate an up-to-date timetable and daily class list on the portal.
This improvement aims to facilitate easier class bookings for the week. We’ll keep you informed about this change through various channels, including digital screens, the Your Space app, and our social media platforms. Stay tuned for the upcoming update.
With our updated CRM system and bookings portal, members can join a waiting list when classes are full. If a spot becomes available due to a cancellation, the system will automatically notify members on the waiting list in sequential order. You’ll receive an email notification with a 1-hour window to book the available spot. If unclaimed, the reservation will expire, and the next person on the waiting list will be notified of the available class slot. This ensures a fair and efficient process for filling class spaces.
Your Space values member input and has conducted two feedback sessions already. We’re eager to involve members in shaping the future of the portal. If you’re interested in participating, we’re establishing regular meetings in the new year to gather insights and ensure we meet all members’ needs.
If you’d like to volunteer for this collaborative effort, please contact our team, and we’ll reach out to you soon. Your contribution is integral to our ongoing journey of improvement.
We also have exciting news for our current members!
Join the Black Friday Fitness challenge using the Your Space app and have a shot at winning a free one-month membership for a friend or family member. We’ll be holding prize draws at each club.
Black Friday Day Pass T&C’s*
New customers only Eligible for over 16’s only (ID upon redeeming Black Friday day pass required) Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer The Black Friday day pass can only be redeemed once All activities are subject to availability Your Space Mansfield* and Barnsley Metrodome Water Park is NOT included The offer cannot be exchanged for any monetary value A health commitment statement must be completed before your first activity All offers can be withdrawn at any time
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Welcome to the latest issue of the BPL newsletter!
There has been a lot going on across the organisation – from charity fundraising events to swimming successes and a national award win – which we’re excited to share more about.
Spooky season is also in full swing, and we have plenty of fun happening in our venues to keep all the family entertained during half-term.
And it’s never too early to be thinking about Christmas!
Whether you’re in charge of planning a Christmas party, a New Year’s Eve outing or fancy trying out a festive afternoon tea, we’ve got you covered.
Read on to find out more…
Success Stories:
Our BPL Healthy Lifestyle Advisors enjoyed attending a disability engagement event in Barnsley recently, where they put on a fitness class for adults with learning disabilities and their carers.
They were also joined by Community Sports Development Officer Connor Pickles, who promoted the Wheels for All group, which is held at Dorothy Hyman Sports Centre.
We were thrilled to pick up an award at the recent Employer Brand Management Awards, beating off strong competition from the likes of the BBC, Natwest and Total Fitness.
Our entry – in partnership with brand design consultancy WPA Pinfold – won Gold in the Best Alignment of the Employer Value Proposition with Corporate Brand Values category.
Head of Marketing and Branding at BPL Rachel Rinkcavage said: “We’re delighted to win this award, particularly being up against such a strong group of finalists in this category.”
After winning this award last year, we’re once again shortlisted in the Marketing Campaign category at the 2023 ukactive Awards.
BPL has been named as a finalist in recognition of our successful What’s Your Space? Campaign – a digitally focused membership campaign designed to attract new members to our Your Space fitness sites.
There’s not long to go until we find out if we’re winners!
The awards ceremony takes place on 26th October at the New Dock Royal Armouries in Leeds.
Barnsley Performance Squads had two swimmers attend the Swim England National Summer Meet in August.
Cody Ingram held his place on rankings for a second year running in the 200m butterfly, while alum swimmer Daniel Menzer secured 5th place in the 1500m freestyle.
The squad goes into the start of the new season with more Yorkshire Winter Championship qualifiers than in 2022, with 39 qualifiers and counting.
For Bassetlaw, Rachel Webb competed in four events – setting three season’s best times – Jennifer Walker bagged a gold and a silver in the girls’ 15 years 800m and 1500m freestyle, Samuel Walker debuted at this level, finishing just outside the top 10, and Layne Keyworth contested the finals in all four of his events.
BPL has successfully collaborated with Funetics to help local children participate in Funetics sessions, enabling young adults to start their coaching and leadership journeys.
The partnership has been designed to introduce kids to athletics in a fun and engaging way, as well as create coaching and development opportunities locally.
COMMUNITY Leisure trust BPL has seen off strong competition from the likes of the BBC, Natwest and Total Fitness to win a top award.
In partnership with brand design consultancy WPA Pinfold, the trust’s entry won Gold in the Best Alignment of the Employer Value Proposition with Corporate Brand Values category at the Employer Brand Management Awards.
BPL, which operates 10 leisure facilities across South and West Yorkshire and North Nottinghamshire, launched its Employer Value Proposition last year in order to help staff feel more engaged with the trust’s brand values and better support them on their employment journey.
The EVP aligns with the award-winning brand work BPL and WPA Pinfold previously partnered on – maximising its impact and effectiveness.
Head of Marketing and Branding at BPL Rachel Rinkavage said: “We created our EVP to strengthen our offering to employees across the whole organisation from the moment they join.
“As part of this, we’ve implemented a new onboarding and induction process for new starters to help them feel more supported in their roles and gain a better understanding of our values.
“We’ve also created our ‘Feel Good’ Awards, which are based on our brand values and recognise and reward effort and achievement within our teams.
“Since we launched the EVP, feedback from staff tells us they feel more engaged with our brand values and are proud to work for BPL.
“We’re delighted to have been recognised with this award, particularly being up against such a strong group of finalists in this category.”
Creative Director and Partner at WPA PinfoldRichard Hurst added: “We are very proud of this Gold award for the Best Alignment of the Employer Value Proposition with Corporate Brand Values for our work in partnership with BPL.
“BPL are proof that internal alignment is not only crucial but that it’s transformational for organisations.
“They are an example to other companies that have recently got it wrong – you simply can’t stand for different things inside and outside of your company. Customer and employee strategies must align.
“BPL deserve every success. We are so very proud of the work we have done in the past and what is to come in the future.”
The awards, which took place at the London Park Plaza Riverbank Hotel, celebrate creativity, innovation and commitment to employer branding, with trophies handed out in over 20 categories.
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Following the success of our Leisure Team Member apprenticeships last year we are recruiting for a brand new group of apprentices to join us in 2023-24.
Completing a leisure apprenticeship is a fantastic opportunity for those seeking a career in the sport and leisure industry.
One of the things that makes our apprenticeships with BPL so great is that you’ll be earning a higher hourly rate than the apprenticeship minimum wage while you’re learning with the full support of our fun and friendly teams.
Our Leisure Team Member apprenticeships will provide you with a Royal Lifesaving Society National Pool lifeguard qualification, both Level 1 and 2 Swimming Teacher qualifications with Swim England and a Fitness Instructor Level 2 qualification that are certified and yours for the keeping.
All are completely free and included as part of the paid apprenticeship.
These apprenticeships offer pathways for growth within BPL with the potential to open up career routes into leisure management, fitness or teaching roles across 10 of our fantastic Your Space Sites.
Leisure Team Member apprenticeships are designed to prepare you with real time experience. You’ll benefit from on-the-job training, real world experience and learn skills that simply cannot be taught in a classroom.
As an employee, you’ll also get to enjoy all the benefits of working at BPL such as Calypso Cove Waterpark access and Free Your Space Multisite Gym membership.
Now that’s something to feel good about.
If you are interested in applying for a 2023-24 Leisure Team Member apprenticeship at BPL, then click here.
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Hello and welcome to the latest edition of your BPL newsletter, where we share our news, events and highlights from across the organisation.
It’s been a busy few months at BPL, and we’ve enjoyed getting out and about to lots of events in our communities, as well as taking part in some great charity fundraisers to raise money for some fantastic local causes.
This issue, we also have news of some exciting events to keep the kids entertained over the holidays and how you can get involved.
Representatives including players, staff, management and corporate sponsors enjoyed a golf day, which also raised £380 for Weston Park Cancer Charity.
Staff and members at Your Space Bircotes have been continuing their support of CRY by donating to a raffle and cake sale.
Good luck to Assistant Manager Owen who is also taking on the Great North Run again this year for the charity.
Success Stories:
We’re delighted to have appointed Joni Millthorpe in her new role of Head of Operations.
Joni has worked for BPL for almost 20 years, starting as a sales advisor at Hoyland Leisure Centre.
She previously worked as Contract Manager across our Barnsley-based sites and in her new role, will be covering the full portfolio of BPL facilities across Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire.
She said: “BPL is a great place to work. It’s such a diverse organisation where no two days are the same.
“It’s a really exciting opportunity to do something different, and I’m looking forward to a new challenge.”
Congratulations Joni!
Well done to swimmers from the Your Swim Academyperformance squads who achieved their best results at the 2023 East Midlands Regional Championships.
Competing under Bassetlaw Swim Squad, they achieved 29 swimmers at the regionals, 93 regional final swims or top 10s and 33 medals.
Congratulations to everyone who has participated in the BPL Community Health team’s Functional Gym Group four-week fitness certificate
The class is for adults with autism, and those taking part have enjoyed a range of activities including weight training, aerobic exercise, introduction to Tai Chi and yoga.
What’s On?
Looking for a fun day out for all the family during the summer holidays?
We’re turning our gym and studio lights at Your Space Metrodome blue throughout July to celebrate the 75th birthday of our amazing NHS.
Did you know all NHS employees are also entitled to our corporate discount?
To find out more, speak to our front-of-house team.
Come along to the Rigby Suite at the Metrodome for some summer craft workshops on Monday 31st July, Thursday 3rd August, Monday 14th August and Thursday 17th August.
Sessions cost £3.50 per child and are suitable for ages 4 plus.
All children must be accompanied by an adult and no pre-booking is required.
Drop in anytime between 10.30am and 1.30pm to join in the crafting fun!
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The summer season is the perfect time to work on feeling your best self. Maybe you’re preparing for a wedding, hitting up that must-see music festival, or simply looking to relax back in the warmth with some friends. But, whatever your summer goals may be, it’s time to gear up and get ready to work (and play).
To help you achieve your goals and kickstart your summer: join now and receive 3 FREE months* (Use Promo Code: 3FREE) of membership! Our wide range of facilities and services are designed to keep you feeling your best all summer long – and beyond.
Free Personalised Programmes: All members will receive a FREE personalised training plan crafted by our dedicated team of fitness instructors.
We’ll work with you to understand your goals, preferences, exercises and techniques that work best for you. And if you’re ever looking for a change, come back to see us for a FREE program review.
Let’s take on those fitness aspirations together.
Price For Life Promise: Don’t break the bank- lock in your membership fee forever! It’s a no-brainer for your wallet! So get your membership price locked in for life, and rest easy knowing you’ll never pay a penny more.
Classes (Quite literally an A – Z): We have a huge variety of group exercise classes happening here at Your Space Pontefract, from Abs Blast to Zumba.
Dedicated App: Get access to the Your Space from minute one, book your classes in just a couple of clicks, analyse your body stats and join in our fun gym challenges, plus much more!
Refer a friend: Who doesn’t love a good workout with friends? And now, you can reap some serious rewards by referring your buddies.
Every time one of your pals signs up, you’ll snag a free month of membership – talk about a workout win! Oh, and one more thing, we’re giving away £500 of ‘Love to Shop’ vouchers through our prize draw at the end of October.
Well, here’s your chance! For every friend you refer using your membership number, you’ll enter into a prize draw with the chance of winning big. The draw won’t take place until October, so you have all summer long to spread the word. And remember, the more referrals you make, the greater your chances of winning. So start referring and get ready for a potential shopping spree of a lifetime!
Your friend can enter your membership number (membership number can be found on the back of your card) on the signup page or by giving your membership number when they sign up in club.
Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer £25 joining fee applies Offer can be withdrawn at any time Free months are 1, 3 and 6£25 joining fee applies Your Space Pontefract ONLY
