Durham County Council is proud to have been announced as a finalist in no less than seven categories of the 2026 ukactive awards in recognition of its commitment to driving positive lifestyle change and increasing access to physical activity opportunities across the county.
In addition, the County Council has also been shortlisted for the APSE Service Awards 2026 in the Best Health and Well-Being Initiative category. The national awards celebrate excellence, innovation and the dedication of frontline teams delivering outstanding services across UK local government.
Highly regarded across the physical activity sector, the national ukactive Awards celebrate the people, organisations and initiatives that are raising standards and driving positive change across health, wellbeing and fitness.
Deborah Holmes at Durham County Council, says: “Durham County Council is one of the UK’s largest local authorities, serving a diverse population across both urban and rural communities. Through our leisure and wellbeing services, we are committed to reducing health inequalities and supporting residents to live active, independent lives.
“From investing in our centres and developing wellbeing programmes, to delivering a major digital transformation that is reshaping how residents access and engage with physical activity services, we are committed to removing barriers to participation and making it easier for residents to start, sustain and enjoy an active lifestyle.
“Being shortlisted for the ukactive and APSE awards is a testament to the dedication, innovation and hard work of our teams and the impact of our services.”
A total of 190 entries across 14 categories were submitted by organisations across the private, public and independent sectors for the ukative awards. Durham County Council is a finalist in the following categories:
· Regional Public Club/Centre of the Year North of England
· Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Award
· Transformational Innovation Award
· Marketing Campaign Award
· Workplace Culture & Initiative Award
· Outstanding Leadership Team Award
· Physical Activity Hero Award
The winners of the APSE Service Awards will be announced in September 2026, while the ukactive Awards winners will be revealed at the ceremony in October 2026.