The Billy Project, led by Leanne Procter, aims to combat inactivity and isolation while empowering individuals to make positive life choices. The team, based in Mill Hill in Blackburn, provide wraparound support that meets the dynamic needs of their local community.

In addition to the gym and fitness sessions they have been delivering since 2015, The Billy Project offers a range of support including a community fridge and hygiene bank, free SIM cards and warm meals, and utility vouchers for anyone facing fuel poverty.

The Leader’s Award, supported by Blackburn with Darwen Council, acknowledges an individual or organisation that has shown strong leadership, enhanced the reputation of the town and shown a strong cohesion ethos.

It is judged and presented by Council Leader Councillor Phil Riley and is part of the annual 1V Awards Dinner.

Councillor Phil Riley commented:
The Billy Project received numerous strong nominations for the 2025 Leader’s Award.

The work Leanne and her team do is truly admirable and undoubtedly transformational for their clients. The organisation provides a very strong support network and a safe space for some of the most vulnerable woman living in our local communities – it’s clear that The Billy Project team effectively wraps their arms around these women with the wonderful outcome of them feeling included and empowered to achieve their goals.

Chief Executive of The Billy Project Leanne Procter commented:
On behalf of everyone at The Billy Project, I would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude for this award. This recognition has come as a complete shock, thank you to those who nominated us. It’s nice to know that we are doing something right. 

We are immensely grateful for the support from our partners, volunteers, and the community, whose dedication and collaboration have made our work possible. Together, we are supporting those who need it the most, and we are helping to build a stronger, more inclusive community.

Thank you once again for this recognition. It fuels our passion and motivates us to keep striving for a healthier, happier future for all.

Now in their ninth year, the 1V Awards run by charity One Voice Blackburn celebrate local people from all walks of life who go over and above to make Blackburn better.

Abrar Hussain, Chair of One Voice Blackburn added
“The impact of the incredible work done by The Billy Project is beyond inspiring.

“They support the most vulnerable people in the borough in engaging in something as meaningful and important as health and wellbeing.

“Organisations like The Billy Project are a great example of why we should be proud of our town”

Last year’s winner of the Leader’s Award was Debra Cartlidge who founded The Deaf Village North West. Previous winners include artist Jamie Holman, Blackburn Muslim Burial Society, Keep Blackburn Tidy, Derek Estill of the BwD Interfaith Forum, and Scouts Lead Stuart Parker.

The 1V Awards dinner is normally held in King George’s Hall. However, due to the current refurbishment of the 104-year-old building, this year’s Leader’s Award was presented in Blackburn Museum and Art Gallery on Wednesday 29 January.