Charitable Trusts and Social Enterprises delivering public leisure and culture celebrated their Seriously Social nature this May!
Community Leisure UK’s Seriously Social Campaign ran from Monday 12 May until Friday 16 May with their members across England, Wales and Scotland celebrating their social conscience, impact and social value that makes them so unique when it comes to delivery of public services.
Each day of the week, this social media campaign focused on a different theme to show how charities and social enterprises make a difference to individuals and communities through Health & Wellbeing, Environment, Inclusion, Community and Employment & Skills. It was the second year running the national body had organised it, encouraging all their members to take part and shine a spotlight on the work of the sector.
Kirsty Cumming, CEO of Community Leisure UK (CLUK), said: “Our sector is often overlooked and misunderstood. Seriously Social is a campaign that focuses on our greatest USP, our social heart. Our members don’t have a single target market, they serve everyone regardless of age, ability and finances.
“As social enterprises and charities, they put people above profit. And that is why we developed Seriously Social, to celebrate the difference they make.”
Collectively, CLUK’s members produced some hugely impressive statistics, including their 2024 total Social Value figure of £1.59 BILLION. Produced by data experts at 4Global the figure explains the wider societal, environmental and economic value the CLUK members bring to society by supporting people to be more active. Because of their members’ work, other areas of society, such as the NHS, can save billions in cost. All of this is possible thanks to our members’ commitment to supporting individuals and communities to be healthier, happier and more creative.
The social media campaign also highlighted the commitment by the sector to gender pay equality with stats showing CLUK members perform far above the national average with an average median gender pay gap of -1.39% compared to 7.00% nationally.
Other notable statistics include the 100,000 community groups who use their facilities and that 94% of charities and social enterprises offer concessionary schemes for groups of people where finance may be an issue when accessing facilities.
Chair of the Community Leisure UK board Phil Rumbelow said: “We are proud to be part of a network of charities operating with a social conscience, delivering social good when providing public leisure and culture services
“Once again social media platforms have been filled with some incredible stats, and heartwarming case studies showcasing the difference our members make to creating healthier and happier communities.”
For more information visit seriouslysocial.org.uk
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