At the start of 2026, VAC and We’re All Active Calderdale invited VCSE organisations across the borough to take part in Small Changes, Big Impact, a celebration of the gentle, everyday ways people weave movement into their lives, through ordinary moments that make activity feel natural, social and accessible.
Over three months, groups from every corner of Calderdale shared photos and videos showing how they built physical activity into what they already do. All demonstrated how movement can flourish when it’s introduced in the right way.
Judging was no easy task. The standard was genuinely impressive, but two organisations stood out for the impact of their small changes: Memory Lane Café Calderdale and Grassroots Family CIC, each receiving £1,000, with ten runners‑up awarded £100.
Based at St Peter’s Community Centre in Sowerby, Grassroots captured movement in its simplest form: chatting while walking, gentle stretches before lunch, spontaneous games of table tennis.
Just people being active because it felt good and because they were doing it together.
The organisation is one of those places where you walk in and immediately feel the warmth.
Kate, their Managing Director, sat down for a conversation with VAC.
“Our small change is just noticing the opportunities already there.”
When asked to describe their small change in one sentence, Kate laughed because the answer is so simple.
“Our small change is genuinely just trying to incorporate movement into everything we already do, even if it’s just something simple like walking to the other side of the room to collect items during our craft sessions.”
It wasn’t about adding something new. It was about noticing what was already possible.
Barriers to being active: motivation, confidence and cost
Kate had asked the group directly what holds people back, and three themes came up immediately: motivation, confidence and cost.
“Motivation is a big one,” Kate said. “If you’ve had a long week, or you’re dealing with something difficult, movement can feel like the last thing you want to do. Confidence is another; people worry they’ll look silly or won’t be able to keep up. And cost… well, we all know how that affects people’s choices.”
None of these answers is surprising, which is why Grassroots’ approach tackles all three barriers at once by making movement feel natural, social and free.
Movement that doesn’t feel like ‘exercise’
When asked whether people joined in who normally avoid anything labelled “exercise”, Kate didn’t hesitate.
“Yeah, absolutely. And that’s why it’s important to keep movement small and barely noticeable. If it’s too formalised or advertised as ‘exercise’, I find most avoid it.”
When movement is introduced gently, as part of something fun or familiar, people join in without overthinking it.
“Not everyone has the same abilities or confidence levels. It’s about finding a healthy balance and lifting people up. A lot of people still believe exercise has to be strenuous, and that holds people back.”
Grassroots’ video entry captured this perfectly: movement that feels like everyday life, not a fitness class.
Ownership builds confidence
What helps people feel comfortable taking part? For Kate, the answer is ownership.
“I’m a big fan of letting everyone design and lead what they’re getting involved in. When people have a sense of ownership, they’re much more enthusiastic.”
That ownership makes people braver. They’re more willing to try a stretch or join a walk because it feels like their idea, not someone else’s.
A story that captures the impact
When asked whether someone at Grassroots embodies the power of small changes, Kate told us about a 96‑year‑old member who has stayed active throughout her life and credits this for her continued independence and energy.
“She’s amazing. Even after having a hip replacement in her mid‑90s, she bounced straight back. She’s the perfect example of motivation and the power of small, consistent movement.”
Proof that movement doesn’t have to be intense to be transformative.
Building on what’s already working
Kate kept things simple when talking about the prize money, focusing on what will make the biggest difference.
“We want to use it to build on what’s already working. Training a volunteer to lead gentle exercise would be brilliant for some of our members, something calm and low‑impact that feels right for everyone.”
She also lit up when mentioning the community garden.
“Getting the garden going properly is a big one for us. A space where people can plant things and be outside in nature, it’s good for your body, mind and the whole community.”
And with a smile:
“But, most importantly, we want to celebrate our volunteers. They give so much of their time, so we’re planning a summertime picnic to say a proper thank you.”
Small Changes, Big Impact set out to highlight how everyday movement can transform lives, and Grassroots embodies that idea beautifully.
If you’d like to see the full list of winners and runners‑up, you can find them on our website.
