Hillo Hub was developed collaboratively by Zoya Bhatti at In-Situ and community practitioner Ruby Anwar. Early on they co-wrote a Hillo Hub manifesto to share the principles and approach, which had been developed by people with lived experience, responding to many years of working with and as part of this community.

Funded by Pendle Leisure Trust through a Sports England funded Together an Active Futures programme, Hillo Hub has evolved out of an earlier project that In-Situ was commissioned to do called “Shaped by You”

The activities started with walking, as this was something easily done, and then developed into biking and herbalist sessions, using an exercise track at Seed Hill as a private space in which to feel safe whilst meeting and moving together. 

“let’s just walk, cause that is something the women felt comfortable doing, and late in the eve worked well, after all the jobs are done. This tailed off because of the shootings - women didn’t want to go out - husbands said its not safe and extended family said they weren’t allowed. So we needed somewhere more private and that was Seed Hill. Numbers are growing through word of mouth - they say, its safe, out of the way, no-one sees you, timing’s good. Last week, 47 people were there just for the biking - they all want to do the biking. The level of safety and service we provide makes them want to get on the bike - its that personal touch.”

As well as physical activity, the weekly sessions have now extended into other areas that women are keen to explore together.  

The walking or cycling has triggered that they need support in other areas. We find we are supporting large numbers of women around menopause, getting into employment and experiences of domestic violence.

There are also weekly sessions with a herbalist to explore medicinal things to eat.


Hillo Hub and In-Situ

The difference between Hillo Hub and other similar active lifestyle programmes in the area is the basis within In-Situ as an arts organisation. But why is an arts organisation running a physical activity programme? 

The very broad definition that In-Situ takes about art means this takes many forms and has different benefits. We see everyone as creative and encourage them to connect with inner creativity which is empowering and this is great for health and wellbeing. We encourage curiosity and thinking outside of the box, which not only benefits participants but also has an impact with our partners and decision makers.

It can end up shaping the way that funders and decision makers view things and has the potential to create systems change. The crossover between art and community for us is about creating positive changes that are inclusive and empower people to be their own guides. It’s about challenging narratives and the ways things have always been done.

There are also opportunities to work with artists and extend into other areas and spaces. Artist Alina Akbar has been working alongside the group to make a film following the development of Hillo Hub and the personal journeys of participants. And Hillo Hub is currently working in connection with Sophie Mahon, one of In-Situ’s artists in residence who is based at Harwes Farm CIC in Colne. This creative crossover enables access to nature, exploring the farm and woodland as a sacred space, with opportunities for camping, fires, sharing, artist-led activities and film screenings. 

There is also a lot of additional personal support work by Zoya and Ruby in between sessions. 

“We have shared experience with the participants - we’ve been in that position. Both of our mums had underlying health issues - brain tumor, joint pain, Diabetes, Fibromyalgia. Because of our age difference (there’s a ten year gap between Ruby and Zoya) different sets of women from different ages are coming so it feels intergenerational - and then bring their mums and their daughters. Women attending range from 16 - 70s and the eldest Hillo Hub member is 90!”