New ‘Active Lives’ project helps residents connect, get active and belong
New community-led project combines outdoor activities, local support and meaningful connections to help residents get involved in ways that work for them.
Residents across Denbighshire are being invited to get involved in everything from conservation projects and outdoor activities to informal community drop-ins, thanks to a new initiative designed to help people become more active, connected and involved in local life.
Launched in August 2026, the Active Lives Trailblazer project brings together two successful programmes, Actif Communities and Nature for Health, to create a county-wide offer shaped by local people and their communities.
Rather than delivering a one-size-fits-all programme, Active Lives takes a place-based approach, working with residents to understand what matters to them and developing opportunities that reflect local interests, strengths and aspirations.
The project is delivered by Denbighshire County Council's Countryside Services and Grŵp Cynefin’s community hub, HWB Dinbych, with coordination support from Denbighshire County Council's Community Resilience Team.
At Grŵp Cynefin's HWB Dinbych in Denbigh, Active Officer Meg Moores works directly with local people to understand their circumstances, identify barriers to participation and connect them with opportunities that help them become more involved in community life.
Weekly Tea and Coffee Drop-In sessions, held every Thursday, provide a welcoming space where people can meet others, access support and discover activities in a relaxed, informal environment.
The project is already responding to community feedback, with activities such as armchair exercise sessions being introduced based on what participants have said they would like to see.
This flexible approach ensures local people are shaping the project from the ground up, helping create activities that genuinely reflect the needs of the community.
Elain Lloyd, Co-ordinator at HWB Dinbych says:
“At HWB Dinbych, we see every day how important it is for people to know that support is there when they need it. Active Lives is about creating welcoming opportunities for people to get involved in ways that suit them. By listening and responding to local people and responding to what matters to them, we're helping build confidence, strengthen community connections and support wellbeing across Denbighshire.”
Active Lives also offers opportunities for people to engage with their communities through the natural environment. Delivered by Denbighshire's Countryside Services team, regular ranger-led sessions provide a welcoming way to learn new skills, improve wellbeing and spend time outdoors.
From woodland management and habitat improvement to path maintenance and practical conservation work, participants can play an active role in caring for local green spaces while building confidence, making connections and experiencing the benefits of nature.
Importantly, Active Lives recognises that traditional support services aren't for everyone. Residents can drop into HWB Dinbych for a chat over a cuppa or joining a practical outdoor session with a Countryside Ranger, ensuring the project offers a low-pressure way for people to explore new interests, meet others and become more involved in their community.
The focus is on meaningful conversations, building relationships and helping people feel connected, valued and involved within their local communities.
Tina Foulkes, Economic Inactivity Trailblazer Programme Manager at Working Denbighshire, said:
"The Active Lives Trailblazer project is all about creating opportunities that genuinely reflect the needs of local people. Through our partnership with HWB Dinbych and Countryside Services, we're helping residents improve their wellbeing, build confidence, develop new connections and become more involved in their communities. What makes this project special is that it starts with listening. Activities are shaped by the people taking part, helping ensure support is accessible, welcoming and meaningful for everyone."
Councillor Will Price, Lead Member for Planning, Countryside and Safer Communities, said:
“The Active Lives project offers residents the chance to access the support they need away from the more traditional surroundings, whilst also learning practical skills and making a visible difference to their local communities.
“Through this partnership, it’s hoped that residents can get the support that they are looking for, whilst exploring new interests, meeting new people and playing a role in caring for Denbighshire’s green spaces”.
Join the Active Lives Movement
Residents can drop into HWB Dinbych's weekly Thursday Tea and Coffee sessions or join one of the outdoor activities taking place across the county.
Upcoming sessions include woodland management, habitat improvement, path maintenance and environmental projects in locations including Rhyl, Denbigh, Corwen and Llangollen.
Countryside Services
Alice.Cousens@denbighshire.gov.uk / 07385 491616
HWB Dinbych
hwb@hwbdinbych.org / 01745 818485
Whether you're looking to meet new people, spend more time outdoors, learn new skills or simply try something different, Active Lives offers a welcoming way to get involved in your community.
Working Denbighshire is part‑funded by the UK Government and multiple programmes, including the Welsh Government’s Communities for Work Plus, the UK–Wales Trailblazer initiative targeting economic inactivity, the Local Growth Fund for Wales (LGF), and Connect to Work.