Senior residents living in Cheshire West and Chester are entitled to free leisure membership, thanks to a new scheme.
The project, launched by Brio Leisure, allows those aged 75 and over free access to all Brio leisure centres in the borough, including the newly-opened multi-million pound facilities at Ellesmere Port Sports Village and Northwich Memorial Court.
It is hoped the scheme will have longer-term benefits on the region’s health service by improving older peoples’ fitness levels and helping with post-operative rehabilitation.
Elly McFahn, Managing Director of Brio Leisure, said: “Cheshire West has an ageing population. There are currently 25,000 people over the age of 75 in the borough and this figure will double by 2030.
“It’s vitally important that we start to look at ways we can maintain the health and well-being of older people,” she added.
As part of the new scheme, senior members will have free access to a wide range of Brio Leisure facilities, including swimming, steam room, sauna, jacuzzi, racquet sports and the gym from Monday to Friday up until 4pm and anytime at the weekends.
Reduced-rate fitness classes
They can also take advantage of daytime fitness classes for a reduced rate of £1 per class, as well as social facilities within all centres as part of their membership.
The project is funded by the recently awarded Integrated Wellness service by Cheshire West and Chester Council, which will initially run for three years to assess how well older people respond to the project and its impact on health and wellbeing in the borough.
Cheshire West and Chester councillors Louise Gittins and Paul Donovan were the names officially launching the new scheme this week.
Cllr Gittins, the council’s deputy leader and Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Wellbeing, explained: “People are living longer and in Cheshire West, we do have a higher than average population of older people.
Social and health benefits for elderly
“We have to accept that and ensure people can make the best out of their lives. It’s really important that older people have opportunities such as this to get out of the house. The benefits both socially and health wise for older people are enormous.
“And the added benefit of this scheme is that further down the line we will help NHS services by saving them money. Unfortunately, public health service budgets have been cut recently and it’s important that residents are aware of that.
“They should make the most of projects such as this while it’s here. Exercise transforms lives and gives people confidence - it’s a fantastic scheme,” she added.
There are a number of leisure complexes currently operated by Brio Leisure in the area, including Chester’s Northgate Arena, Winsford Lifestyle Centre, centres in Frodsham, Christleton, Neston and Malpas, as well as the new ones in Ellesmere Port and Northwich.
For information on how to take advantage of the free memberships call 0300 7770033, or visit www.cheshirechangehub.org or www.brioleisure.org
