FITTER AND HEALTHIER FOR

Sport, physical activity and health operators are trying a different approach to a lifetime of fitness and healthiness around the UK

By Rachel Masker

From the cradle to the grave. In the 1940s that phrase was used to describe a vision for the welfare state. Now, it is a description of the ambition of public leisure centres to provide for a wider customer base. An illustration, too, of the extent to which sports and physical activity can improve everyone’s lives, from the start of life to the end.

From baby Zen to menopause cafes and dementia-friendly cricket, leisure is changing; there’s a pivot towards wellbeing. Leisure trusts are developing new initiatives to help young and old lead happier, healthier, more connected lives, often with the aid of charities and NHS professionals.

In 2016, Baroness Tanni GreyThompson called for a £1bn regeneration scheme to save the NHS by transforming the UK’s ageing stock of leisure centres into its new preventative frontline. The former chair for not-for-profit ukactive called for government funding to replace 1970s-era leisure centres with “community wellness hubs”. These would combine sports hall, swimming pools and gyms with libraries and GP surgeries.

> Initiatives

> Dementia-friendly cricket

Horizon Leisure, in partnership with Activ8 Minds and Get Up and Go Havant, has welcomed back Dementia Friendly Cricket to Havant Leisure Centre. Everyone has a turn to bat, bowl or field. Organisers give a warm welcome to both players and carers who can join in or sit out to have a chat and meet others in a similar situation. “Exercise, laughter, friendship – what could be better,” said one participant.

The inclusive multi-sports sessions alternate between two main sports: walking cricket and walking football. In addition, a coach runs a choice of table tennis, boccia (like bowls) and New Age Kurling –adaptation of the original sport so it can be played in a sports hall rather than on ice.

> Toddler groups

Keeping kids active is a priority at Havant in Hampshire which is among the most deprived 25% of local authorities in England. By Year 6, 19% of children are classified as obese, according to Public Health England. Local priorities include children’s health and wellbeing with a focus on mental health.

Horizon Leisure runs toddler groups at Havant Leisure Centre. Fun activities include pre-school bounce, trampoline tuition for the under-fours; supervised adventure play sessions in the main sport hall with bouncy castle and soft play toys as well as gymnastics for pre-schoolers. Aim of the pay-as-you-go classes include keeping kids healthy and promoting an active lifestyle.

> Baby massage

Winchester Sport and Leisure Park and Romsey Rapids have hosted Ladybird baby massage classes. The course provides a safe and supportive space for learning and connection not only between parent and baby, but for parents to connect with each other. “Connection and community are vital in those early months of parenting – a time that can feel stressful and isolating,” said organiser Suki Cohn, adding: “The whole point of baby massage is to set a great foundation for the mental health and wellbeing of the child into adulthood.”