Observer column 10 December 2025

Cllr Glenn Haffenden, leader of the council and lead councillor for housing and community wellbeing

It’s been a brilliant couple of weeks for physical activity in Hastings. Hastings Borough Council’s Active Hastings team were nominated for, and won, the Health Improvement Award at the Sussex Sport and Physical Activity Awards, organised by Active Sussex. In even more good news, Active Sussex has received additional funding to drive system change that will help more people get active and improve health and wellbeing across the town, with Active Hastings set to play a key role in shaping and delivering this locally. 

The Sussex Sport and Physical Activity Awards were held at the 1st Central County Ground, Sussex County Cricket Ground, in Hove, on 27 November. The Active Hastings team were recognised for their work to improve the health and wellbeing of residents across Hastings who enjoy the wide range of sessions and activities they organise. Alongside the team award, Russ Cudmore, who is part of Break Point Coaching who run sessions at the tennis courts in Alexandra Park, was also celebrating after being named Sports Personality of the Year. 

On the same day as the awards ceremony, it was announced that Active Sussex had secured £347,000 in funding from Sport England to help Active Sussex, Hastings Borough Council, the NHS, Hastings Voluntary Action, East Sussex County Council, Sussex Police and other local partners combine their efforts to remove barriers to activity and make sport and movement more accessible for everyone. This is just the start of the project, when the first development phase is completed, we will be applying for another £1.2m of funding to help create sustained changes across Hastings. 

I’m delighted to be the councillor responsible for sport and leisure in Hastings, our team is really passionate about getting the best for our residents. We know that improving people’s physical fitness brings with it a whole range of other benefits. 

Active Hastings have a packed programme of events and activities to come in 2026, with venues across the borough and activities for all ages and abilities. 

If you’re looking to kick start 2026 with a healthier lifestyle there are two free weight management courses starting in January with practical tips and support to help you on your journey. The courses always fill up quickly so don’t miss out. 

Lean in to it is a mixed group session starting on Monday 5 January from 6.30 to 8pm at the Hastings Academy. There is also a course for adults taking a GLP-1 injection who have a BMI over 30. That will be starting on Wednesday 7 January from 7 to 8.30pm at St Leonards Academy. 

Alongside sports activities there are also lots of family friendly sessions including toddler stay and play, and fun days throughout the year. The team have worked really hard to secure funding to allow them to offer sliding pricing options to make sessions more affordable for everyone.

Find out more about sessions through our website or follow them on Facebook for up-to-date information.