Search Results

NEWS Inspiring Minds - with The Peel Group Foundation At Leigh Leopards Foundation, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential. Through our Inspiring Minds Programme, supported by The Peel Group Foundation , we are helping children and young people with neurodevelopmental conditions, including autism and ADHD, build confidence, improve their wellbeing and develop the skills they need to thrive. The video above highlights the real-life impact of the programme through the story of Fraser and his family. His journey demonstrates how the right support, delivered at the right time, can make a lasting difference to a young person's life. Our Inspiring Minds Programme provides early intervention support for children and young people, alongside practical guidance for parents and carers. We understand that supporting a child means supporting the whole family, which is why our approach focuses on building confidence, resilience and stronger family relationships. Based at our A Team Hub in Leigh, the programme offers a range of tailored support, including one-to-one sessions, group activities, wellbeing workshops, sensory-based activities, physical activity sessions and parent support groups. We also work closely with schools, health professionals and other local organisations to ensure families receive the joined-up support they need. For Fraser, the programme has provided personalised support to help him better manage the challenges associated with his condition, improve his emotional wellbeing and develop strategies that have had a positive impact both at home and in everyday life. His story is just one example of how early intervention and the right environment can empower young people to become more confident, independent and resilient. We are incredibly proud of the positive impact the Inspiring Minds Programme is having across our community and are grateful to The Peel Group Foundation for making this work possible. Their support enables us to continue delivering vital services that help children, young people and their families build brighter futures together. £1.5m awarded to the RFL Community Trust to support a brand-new climate action project ‘Try for Tomorrow’ Thanks to National Lottery players, 'Try for Tomorrow’ partners have received £1.5 million from The National Lottery Community Fund, the largest community funder in the UK, to help the Rugby League community across the country to reduce the impact of human activity on the climate. This social impact programme will help tackle climate change through dedicated and action-filled educational sessions on food, energy, transport, waste, nature and water delivered in our community to 200 schools. It will also support 100 community clubs to become more sustainable by launching ‘Utility Benches’ that are multi-banks, acting as a catalyst for climate action! Over the next three years, we at Leigh Leopards Foundation, the RFL Community Trust and other strategic community-based partners are excited to inspire, empower and connect people across the sport take meaningful steps in the fight against climate action. By linking climate action to everyday life through the exciting vehicle and incredible sport that is Rugby League, we trust that we can bring communities together to empower one another and to create lasting change. Remember, small changes make big impact! "We are incredibly excited to be working alongside RFL, fellow club foundations, and Rethink Food to deliver this innovative programme. The Leopards provide a powerful vehicle to inspire people across the Wigan Borough to better understand the impact we can all have and to take meaningful steps towards a more sustainable future. We are proud to be part of a movement that empowers communities to take action on climate change, helping people recognise that collective action starts with individual choices. By working together and making small, positive changes in our everyday lives, we can create a healthier environment, stronger communities, and a more sustainable future for generations to come." Hannah Forbes, Foundation Programmes Director Partners in the project include: Rethink Food - environmental sustainability experts Substance - project evaluation experts The Rugby Football League 12 Rugby League Charitable Foundations - delivery experts Advantage! Barrow Raiders Community Foundation The Bradford Bulls Foundation Tigers Trust (Castleford Tigers) Huddersfield Giants Community Trust Hull Kingston Rovers Community Trust The Hunslet Club Leeds Rugby Foundation (Leeds Rhinos) Leigh Youth and Community Development Trust (Leigh Leopards) Salford Red Devils Foundation Saints Community Development Foundation Swinton Lions Community Sports Foundation Wakefield Trinity Community Trust To find out more, visit: https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk/ About The National Lottery Community Fund We are the largest non-statutory community funder in the UK – community is at the heart of our purpose, vision and name. We support activities that create resilient communities that are more inclusive and environmentally sustainable and that will strengthen society and improve lives across the UK. We’re proud to award money raised by National Lottery players to communities across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and to work closely with Government to distribute vital grants and funding from key Government programmes and initiatives. As well as responding to what communities tell us is important to them, our funding is focused on four key missions, supporting communities to: 1. Come together 2. Be environmentally sustainable 3. Help children and young people thrive 4. Enable people to live healthier lives. Thanks to the support of National Lottery players, we distribute around £500 million a year through 10,000+ grants and plan to invest over £4bn of funding into communities by 2030. We’re privileged to be able to work with the smallest of local groups right up to UK-wide charities, enabling people and communities to bring their ambitions to life. National Lottery players raise over £30 million each week for good causes throughout the UK. Since The National Lottery began in 1994, £47 billion has been raised and more than 670,000 individual grants have been made across the UK - the equivalent of around 240 National Lottery grants in every UK postcode district. Let’s Work Together Get in touch so we can start working together. First Name Last Name Email Message Send Thanks for submitting!

HEALTH & WELLBEING Our Health and Wellbeing delivery uses our expertise and qualifications and the club and players to engage hard to reach groups Inspiring Minds At Leigh Leopards Foundation, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential. Through our Inspiring Minds Programme, supported by The Peel Group Foundation , we are helping children and young people with neurodevelopmental conditions, including autism and ADHD, build confidence, improve their wellbeing and develop the skills they need to thrive. The video above highlights the real-life impact of the programme through the story of Fraser and his family. His journey demonstrates how the right support, delivered at the right time, can make a lasting difference to a young person's life. Our Inspiring Minds Programme provides early intervention support for children and young people, alongside practical guidance for parents and carers. We understand that supporting a child means supporting the whole family, which is why our approach focuses on building confidence, resilience and stronger family relationships. Based at our A Team Hub in Leigh, the programme offers a range of tailored support, including one-to-one sessions, group activities, wellbeing workshops, sensory-based activities, physical activity sessions and parent support groups. We also work closely with schools, health professionals and other local organisations to ensure families receive the joined-up support they need. For Fraser, the programme has provided personalised support to help him better manage the challenges associated with his condition, improve his emotional wellbeing and develop strategies that have had a positive impact both at home and in everyday life. His story is just one example of how early intervention and the right environment can empower young people to become more confident, independent and resilient. We are incredibly proud of the positive impact the Inspiring Minds Programme is having across our community and are grateful to The Peel Group Foundation for making this work possible. Their support enables us to continue delivering vital services that help children, young people and their families build brighter futures together. Heart of a Leopard Funded by Heart Research UK, participants take part in a 80 minute session per week for 12 weeks. Sessions are made up of a healthy lifestyles workshop before a fun exercise session with first team players supporting participants on their journey towards making better life choices to achieve better heart health. The Power of the ROAR This is a 12-week emotional resilience programme for Primary schools based around fun workshops and activities covering areas such as self-esteem, confidence, goal setting, aspirations and self care.

EDUCATION Inspring Futures Funded by Youth Endowment Fund and part of a multi partner delivery programme including the RFL, the Inspiring Futures programme is a 12 week programme for pupils who have been identified as vulnerable and likely to engage in risky behaviours, anti-social behaviour and/or crime. The programme aims to educate young people to make a positive behaviour change. Alternative Provision We provide bespoke Alternative Provision for S.E.N children that struggle to attend school due to their condition v's the school environment Finding Your Roar Our Primary school challenging behaviour small group targeted mentoring intervention programme, delivered over 12 weeks in school focussing on self control, confidence, aggression and positive behaviour change All Child Partnership We currently deliver in 3 Primary schools through the All Child Partnership delivering emotional resilience sessions over a term to key stage 1 and 2 children

Supportng the people of Leigh A bit about us. Our mission is to provide life-changing opportunities for the residents of Leigh and the surrounding area, enhancing and supporting the community to create a stronger and safer place. We aim to improve physical and mental wellbeing and promote social inclusion through the sport, our club, and its players. Together, we strive to build a better future for our people, our community, and our planet. DONATE GET INVOLVED Your donation helps us to continue our life-changing work, providing comfort and hope to some of the most vulnerable men, women and children in Leigh and the surrounding areas. Our volunteers not only make a difference and help others but they are also developing new skills and gaining valuable experience that they may need for relevant future employment.

A-TEAM HUB Our Story What we do If you would like to come and see what we do or have a chat with us about your child, please contact us on 01942 316072 At the A-Team Hub, we can provide: Specialist Targeted Training Autism Movement & Play sessions Early Years stay play sessions Tiny Friends - learning to play sessions Little communicators - communication through play Brick Club (Lego therapy sessions) S.E.N gaming club S.E.N Youth Club (once a month) Teenage Girls Mental Wellbeing Programme (referral from High School only) Inspiring MInds 1-2-1 Emoțional wellbeing A Team Voices Youth Social Action Group S.E.N Specific Holiday and Food sessions Outreach A Team Movement and Play sessions Neurodevelopental in Schools Training and Pupil Voice Partnership in Schools Training and bespoke pupil sessions Ready Steady Grow - nursery/school ready programme Alternative Provison sessions We also hire out our rooms here at the A Team Hub including: Main activities room Sensory room Gaming/Lounge room Training room Lounge area Sensory garden (indoor room and outdoor space) . Click below to read our 2025 A Team Hub Impact Report Parent Not many people know that Bertie has Autism. This place has been an absolute god send. We have been attending weekly sessions and yesterday we attended the Halloween party. The staff are absolutely amazing and visiting somewhere that there is zero judgement and just let the children be themselves. What a little gem find. Thank you to all the staff. This is Bertie's little safe haven. Participant from our Being Me Programme “I was really scared of going to A Team Hub the first time I went but it was a really nice place and the staff were all really easy to talk too. I was on a restricted timetable at school because I found it so overwhelming, so my mum agreed to pick me up at lunchtime when I went to the A Team hub. On the second week I told me mum I didn’t want her to pick me up at lunchtime as I really felt at home there and I wasn’t having any panic attacks there. It was the best thing I have ever done, After we finished the programme I have continued to work with Taigen 1-2-1 and she is helping me to put things in place to stay in school more. I am now in school much more and able to control my anxiety much better. I’m going to be a peer mentor as well for Being Me and I can’t wait I’m so excited to help other girls with Autism” Parent "I have been attending the Ready Steady Grow sessions for the last three weeks and not only has it been great to see my child interacting with other adults, it has been wonderful to watch her confidence grow. Working alongside the staff has helped me clearly describe my child's needs and understand how nursery can support her. Before these sessions I wouldn't have had a clue how to do that and felt like I was failing her as a parent." Contact I'm always looking for new and exciting opportunities. Let's connect. heatherpp@leighcommunitytrust.co.uk 01942 316072

CONTACT US Call us: Tel: 01942 316072 heatherpp@leighcommunitytrust.co.uk Find us: Trafford House Platt Fold Street Leigh WN7 1JH Submit Thanks for submitting!

SUPPORT US WE WELCOME YOUR DONATION DONATE Donate Here Your donation helps us to continue our life-changing work, providing comfort and hope to some of the most vulnerable men, women and children in Leigh and the surrounding areas.

ABOUT US We are a dynamic charity that has grown from modest beginnings in 2001 into a vibrant organisation dedicated to fostering community development and cohesion. Leveraging the influence of sport and its strong ties with local professional Rugby League club - Leigh Leopards, as a vehicle for both personal and community development. Our mission is to enhance and support local community by addressing the multifaceted needs of its residents. We operate under four pillars: physical activity, health, education, training, and employment and Inclusion including our bespoke A Team Hub for children and families with Neurodevelopmental conditions. We aim to create a stronger and safer community by offering inclusive programmes, we aim to build a sense of unity and safety; increase educational attainment, improve physical and mental wellbeing and promote social inclusion by preventing exclusion and addressing the needs of marginalised individuals facilitating their reintegration into society. By addressing the ingrained and diverse needs of our community, we are committed to making a meaningful and lasting impact. Our dedication to utilise collective experiences ensuring that our community activities are relevant and effective, truly meeting the needs of the local residents.

PATRON ANDY BURNHAM Andy Burnham was elected as MP for Makerfield in 2026 and, later, became Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. Before returning to Westminster, Andy served as Mayor of Greater Manchester from 2017 to 2026, championing devolution, public transport, policing, health and economic growth across the city region. Prior to becoming Mayor, Andy represented Leigh as Member of Parliament from 2001 to 2017. During his time in government, he held ministerial roles at the Home Office, HM Treasury and the Department of Health. In 2008, he was appointed Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport before returning to the Department of Health as Secretary of State in 2009. Andy has been a passionate supporter of the Trust since its inception in 2010 and continues to champion its work and the positive impact it has on communities across Leigh, Makerfield and beyond. AMBASSADOR JOSH CHARNLEY Josh is ambassador for our highly acclaimed A Team Hub, supporting children and families living with Neurodevelopmental conditions is close to Josh's heart with his own child living with Autism. Josh is a great advocate for the work that we do in the centre and can often be found just popping in to take part in what's going on around the Hub. AMBASSADOR DAWN O’NEILL Dawn has been working with the Trust for the last 8 months helping the Trust become a Borough partner of the Autism Friendly campaign. The Trust was honoured when Dawn agreed to be our Ambassador, Dawn has such passion and drive and commitment to the Trust and what it stands for. Chair of Trustees Lynne Calvert Lynne works for Wigan Public Health as a Public Health Service Manager. Lynne has worked with the Trust and its employees on numerous projects and has formed a strong partnership between the Trust and NHS. Lynne also sits on the Leigh and Wigan against Racism group and State of Mind board. Lynne brings a wealth of knowledge on health and racism issues that are two issues the Trust works tirelessly on. TRUSTEE Steve Pike As a local businessman, Steve has a wealth of knowledge and networks with the local businesses, Steve also joined the club's Board of Directors in 2003 and has headed up the Community and Youth Development departments at the club during his time on the board; although Steve left the club's Board of Directors in 2006, he still remains very committed to the Trust and is always on hand. TRUSTEE Gareth Sutton Gareth is from the Wigan area and is the Developments Director at Wigan and Leigh College. Gareth came on board in 2012 with his endless experience regarding 14-19-year-old further education routes and helped cement the local FE college as a partner of the Trust TRUSTEE John Holland John has a vast amount of knowledge in environmental education previously working at the local Further Education College as a Lecturer in this field and both Primary and Secondary education through his position of Chair of Governors of a local high school and Governor of several Primary schools. Meet The Team PATRONS & AMBASSADORS

Our Team. You definitely need to be a special kind of person to work at LCT, we all have such a varied background and experience and aren't scared to try something new! Hannah Forbes Programmes Director Heather Parker-Preece Centre Manager Mick Nanyn Behaviour & Wellbeing Manager Martyn Leech Community Development Manager Carlie Unsworth Lead S.E.N and Primary Behaviour Officer Caroline Halsall S.E.N Wellbeing Officer TBC S.E.N Mental Wellbeing Counsellor Jessie Kirby S.E.N Play Officer Declan Gallagher Community Development Officer Olivia Leech S.E.N Assistant Play Officer Toryn Blackwood Community Development Officer

GET INVOLVED VOLUNTEER CORPORATE SUPPORT GIVE A DONATION Our volunteers not only make a difference and help others but they also develop new skills and gain valuable experience that they may need for relevant future employment. All out new volunteers are made to feel welcome and all have vital roles to play. With your support, we can continue to deliver high quality, life-changing programmes that help the whole of the community. By becoming a community Business Patron, you will become an integral part of making a difference to the people of Leigh. I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It’s easy. Just click “Edit Text” or double click me and you can start adding your own content. DONATE GET INVOLVED TODAY

Projects Our mission is to promote rugby league by increasing participation, supporting sustainable growth, and providing appropriate playing opportunities. Inspired By 9's Inspired By 9s is a for emerging High schools providing playing opportunity for Year 7, 8 and 9 pupils for schools and players that don't play regular Rugby League or that are new to the game.. School Games Participation We pride ourselves in being an integral part of the Wigan School games Partnership and delivering bespoke rugby sessions and festivals not only for mainstream schools but also for the S.E.N schools as part of the Just Join in festivals Rugbees is aimed at tackling stereotypes and redefine what Rugby League means to girls. RugBees is an exciting programme aimed at girls aged 7 to 11 offering a fun introduction to rugby league, developing skills and confidence. Our sessions run on Tuesday evenings 6-7pm at Leigh East Touch Rugby We run social touch sessions every Wednesday evening and also take part in the RFL's Premier Touch League festivals Primary School Coaching Fun structured tag rugby coaching sessions during curriculum time. Sessions aim to develop basic skills required for tag rugby including passing & catching, attacking, defending, try scoring and playing the ball. Teamwork, resilience and motivation are positively reinforced throughout all sessions After school Coaching Tag or contact rugby coaching sessions with school team or open after school for any child. Our sessions aim to develop and progress basic skills required for rugby including passing & catching, attacking, defending, try scoring and playing the ball.