Are you ready for free leisure?

All you need is a beeZ card...

Free leisure for anyone who lives, works, is in full-time education or whose GP practice is in Blackburn with Darwen.

Click here to apply online for your beeZ card to access free leisure

FAQs

Q. What is re:fresh?

A. re:fresh is a unique partnership between Blackburn with Darwen teaching Primary Care Trust and borough council. They are investing an additional £6m over 3 years to increase levels of physical activity to improve heath and well being.
 
In addition to an extensive free leisure programme there will also be more support at a local level, with extra health trainers, life long learning courses and healthy community partnerships to raise awareness of what's available and helping you to make healthier choices.

The re:fresh programme will develop as more people actively participate and help to shape what and where activities are available.

Q. What do we hope to achieve?

A. To improve the health and well being within the borough by:

• Increasing levels of participation by adults in the borough
• Decrease number of adults doing no physical activity
• The programme will also contribute to the overall aim of improving all age cause mortality statistics and reducing the death rate from all circulatory diseases. 
• Through the commitment to enhance family activity provision and expand free junior swimming the project will also contribute to tackling the incidence of childhood obesity.

Q. How long will re:fresh last?

A. Initial investment levels have been committed for 3 years

Q. Are any activities and leisure facilities exempt?

A. Yes.
The use of Regency gyms at Waves and Darwen Leisure Centre during weekdays all day and weekends until 12 noon are outside of the scope of this initiative. They are deemed to operate on a commercially competitive basis along side private providers in the borough. The current beeZ memberships and concession pricing policy for use of these 2 fitness gyms will be retained.

Due to increased demand for activities the Regency gym at Waves and Darwen Leisure Centre are now available free on the weekends under re:fresh at the following times:

• Regency Gym @ Darwen Leisure Centre Saturday and Sunday: 1-5pm
• Regency Gym @ Waves Saturday and Sunday: noon - 5pm

Block booking of facilities by leagues and clubs are also exempt from this initiative. The free offer is focussed on providing opportunities and support to help individuals take responsibility for their own health and encourage healthier, more active lifestyles.

Q. Who qualifies for free leisure?

A. Anyone who lives, works, is in full time education or whose GP practice is in Blackburn with Darwen qualifies for free leisure.

Q. What is classed as a family?

A. A family can be up to 5 members but must include both adults and children. Examples of combinations are below:

- 1 adult and up to 4 children

- 2 adults and up to 3 children

Children must be 16 and under. Maximum of 2 adults per family.

Q. How do I access free leisure?

A. Activities are only available on production of a beeZ card. To apply for a free beeZ card, click here or visit one of the leisure centres to apply. Application forms are available from libraries, community centres and Blackburn & Darwen Town Halls.

Q. What proof is required to obtain a free beeZ card?

A. The following proof will be required to obtain a free beeZ card

• Work – wage slip and/or ID badge with photograph that states the company is in Blackburn and Darwen; letter on company headed paper
• Live – utility bill/driving licence/bank statement
• Education – letter on headed paper; ID badge stating full time education.
• GP within BwD – letter on headed paper or stamped with surgery details; doctors card stating with which GP the patient is registered

Q. What is included in free leisure?

A. Click here for your guide to free leisure it lists all activities available under the scheme.

For more information contact the beeZ team (link on the right).

Q. What if I lose my beeZ card?

A. All customers who are eligible for the scheme are entitled to one free beeZ replacement card.  Any further replacement cards will have to be paid for, at a cost of £3.75.

Q. What if I forget my beeZ card when attending a free leisure activity?

A. The session will need to be paid for.  A refund may be given if the beeZ card and receipt is shown at the leisure centre on the same day.

Q. Do I need to bring a photograph?
A. No. A photo will be taken at the leisure centre reception. 

Q. Can you still book 7 days in advance?
A. Yes. But in order to maximise usage if no-one attends the booked session you will be issued with a warning.  If a second missed attendance occurs you will not be allowed to make advance booking for one month.

Q. How long do the free leisure cards last?
A. The beeZ card will not expire, eligibility to re:fresh will be checked on an ad-hoc basis.

Q. What if I have recently purchased a beez card?
A. The card will still be active.  Discounts will still be available at the Regency @ Darwen Leisure Centre and Regency @ Waves.