ActivLives boss wins award as charity marks successful year at AGM

The big picture: Julie Stokes was honoured at the Active Suffolk Awards 2024 for her decade-long leadership in promoting community wellbeing through inclusive sports and exercise programmes.

The charity's work spans multiple programmes:

• Community gardens and outreach projects

• Woodworking through ActivSheds

• Health walks

• Exercise classes

• Lunch clubs

• Community events

Why it matters: The celebrations highlight the growing impact of community health initiatives in Suffolk, particularly in supporting mental health and helping those with learning disabilities.

By the numbers:

• 117 people attended the AGM

• 3 volunteers honoured for over 10 years' service

• 16 years of service from one volunteer at St Mary at Stoke Lunch Club

What they're saying: "I've seen people's lives changed, as they grow, as they come and as they made friends. Our lunch club is very much like a family," said Anita Bimpson, who has volunteered at the St Mary at Stoke Lunch Club for 16 years.

"We have experienced change and challenge times, but I have an amazing team of caring, passionate, enthusiastic and experienced staff and a wonderful team of dedicated and loyal volunteers," said Stokes.

Success beyond leadership: The charity's BreatheFit programme, which runs in Felixstowe and Ipswich, was also named runner-up for Innovative Project of the Year at the Active Suffolk Awards. The programme helps people with respiratory conditions improve their physical health through weekly sessions.

What's next: ActivLives is seeking to develop existing partnerships and build new relationships with funders and supporters to expand its services across Suffolk.

The bottom line: As the charity celebrates both its leader's success and its volunteers' dedication, the charity demonstrates how local organisations can make a lasting difference in community health and wellbeing through inclusive programmes and committed volunteers.