Case study: Colin Douglas

Mytime Active’s new Chair of Trustees has dedicated much of his time to charity work over the years… we find out more about him and his goals for the brand

“I've been involved with charities, on and off, for 30 years now. In the 1990s, I worked with a community centre charity in Brixton, which provided support for people with serious mental health issues. I’ve also worked as the Interim Director of Policy and Communications for the Charity Commission and am a trustee of akt, which provides support for LGBTQ+ young people who are homeless.

“I’ve spent my working life in communications and marketing, mainly for public sector organisations, including a stint as Director of Communications and Policy for Sport England. I worked in the health sector for 15 years, first as a Non-Executive Director for the London Ambulance Service and then as National Director of Communications for the NHS, so I have a good understanding of the important contribution an active lifestyle can make to health and wellbeing. I’ve also seen first-hand the positive role partnerships can play in delivering services that encourage active lifestyles.

“I was drawn to Mytime Active as I believe in its mission – encouraging people to be active, to connect with others, and to live a healthy lifestyle. All these things contribute to good overall physical and mental health. They help us to live longer, but they also enhance the quality of the lives we live.

“I've been hugely impressed with the organisation since joining the Board four years ago. Our charitable purpose is to deliver leisure and wellbeing services across the communities we serve; we’re passionate about reaching everyone who will benefit from our services, regardless of income, age or other characteristics.

“Like much of the leisure industry, we face real challenges. As a sector, we are coping with the rising costs of operating with an ageing infrastructure and increasing energy bills. And we have the challenge of attracting and retaining customers facing cost-of-living pressures. Fortunately for us, Bromley Council is making a massive investment in its leisure facilities. We've got some big opportunities ahead, including the relaunch of two redeveloped leisure centres – Walnuts and West Wickham.

“Charitable leisure trusts play a hugely important role in making leisure and wellbeing services available to all. I'm committed to continuing to promote Mytime Active’s wellbeing mission, and to supporting our excellent staff in delivering great services.”