Impact Report 2024/25

Overview

2024/25 has been a year of growth and progression for Double Up CIC.

Building on the foundations of our first year, we expanded our work through new projects, partnerships, and funding opportunities. Our focus has remained consistent — creating accessible, community-led spaces that support mental wellbeing, physical health, and social connection.

This year saw the delivery of multiple initiatives, including our Active Together project funded by The National Lottery Community Fund, alongside additional programmes supported by Bentley Motors, Co-op, and the early stages of our Sports England funded Pilates Project.

Key Impact in Numbers

  • 150+ individuals engaged across all activities

  • 30+ sessions delivered (football, running, workshops, and meetups)

  • 100+ participants engaged through Active Together

  • 70 participants supported through wellness and creativity sessions

  • 100+ expected participants engaged in Pilates (project launched this year)

  • 150+ community members reached through social platforms

Figures based on delivery tracking and project estimates.

Our Main Projects

Active Together (National Lottery Funded)

The Active Together project built directly on the success of our previous Breaking Barriers initiative.

Based on community feedback, we introduced:

  • Monthly football sessions

  • Bi-monthly running meetups

  • Community meetings focused on wellbeing and reflection

The project was designed to provide regular, free opportunities for individuals to stay active, reduce isolation, and build social connections.

A key focus was addressing the cost-of-living crisis by removing financial barriers and creating accessible spaces for participation.

Wellness & Creativity in Motion (Bentley Supported)

Through support from Bentley Motors, we delivered a combination of:

  • Run club sessions

  • Art workshops

These sessions provided a balance of physical activity and creative expression, helping participants improve both mental and physical wellbeing.

The project directly engaged 70 participants, offering structured yet welcoming sessions designed to build confidence and routine.

Community Support (Co-op Partnership)

Through support from Co-op, we continued delivering:

  • Community fitness sessions

  • Mental health-focused activities

  • Group-based social engagement opportunities

These activities strengthened our ability to reach individuals experiencing isolation and helped expand our community network.

Pilates Project (Sports England – Launched)

Towards the end of the year, we launched the Pilates Project, funded by Sport England.

The project aims to:

  • Deliver 45 structured Pilates sessions over 11 months

  • Engage 100+ participants

  • Support individuals from low-income backgrounds

Although in its early stages, initial engagement has shown strong demand, particularly among individuals seeking low-impact, accessible forms of exercise.

Who We Reached

Our work continues to focus on individuals who face barriers to participation, including:

  • Young adults from underrepresented communities

  • Individuals on low incomes

  • People experiencing mental health challenges

  • Those who feel excluded from traditional fitness environments

Delivery has primarily taken place across London, with strong engagement in North London communities.

Outcomes & Impact

Across all projects, we have seen consistent positive outcomes.

Participants have reported:

  • Increased confidence in social settings

  • Improved mental wellbeing

  • Reduced feelings of isolation

  • Greater consistency in physical activity

  • Stronger sense of belonging

A key success has been creating environments where participants feel comfortable attending regularly, often returning and bringing others with them.

Community-Led Approach

Community involvement remains central to our work.

This year we:

  • Engaged over 50 individuals through feedback and surveys

  • Maintained an active community WhatsApp group (100+ members)

  • Established a steering group to shape delivery

  • Used ongoing feedback to refine activities

This has ensured our projects remain relevant, responsive, and shaped by real community needs.

What Worked

Key factors contributing to success:

  • Building on proven projects rather than starting from scratch

  • Listening to community feedback and adapting quickly

  • Keeping sessions free or low-cost

  • Creating informal, welcoming environments

  • Combining physical activity with social interaction

These elements have allowed us to grow while maintaining quality and consistency.

Challenges

As we expanded, we faced new challenges:

  • Managing multiple projects simultaneously

  • Balancing demand with limited resources

  • Maintaining consistency across different locations

  • Navigating rising costs while keeping activities free

These challenges have helped strengthen our operational approach and planning.

Financial Overview

Our work in 2024/25 has been supported through a combination of grants and partnerships.

Funding Sources:

  • The National Lottery Community Fund

  • Bentley Motors

  • Co-op

  • Sport England (Pilates Project – ongoing)

Key Areas of Spend:

  • Session delivery and facilitation

  • Venue hire and equipment

  • Project coordination

  • Community outreach and engagement

Our focus has remained on ensuring all funding directly supports community impact.

Looking Ahead

Building on this year, our focus is to:

  • Expand the reach of Active Together

  • Fully deliver the Pilates Project

  • Develop new partnerships

  • Increase participant numbers

  • Strengthen long-term sustainability

We aim to grow responsibly while maintaining the same community-focused approach.

Final Reflection

2024/25 has been a significant step forward for Double Up CIC.

From a single project to multiple programmes and partnerships, we have expanded our reach while staying true to our core purpose.

The continued engagement from participants shows the importance of accessible, community-led spaces for wellbeing and connection.

We look forward to building on this momentum in the year ahead.