Latest news with #GreenwichLeisureLimited
Wales Online
4 days ago
- General
- Wales Online
The main barrier to children accessing swimming lessons in Cardiff revealed
The main barrier to children accessing swimming lessons in Cardiff revealed It comes after a study came out showing that only 16% of children in the capital could swim There are concerns about the number of children in Cardiff who can't swim (Image: Sakhorn38 ) The cost of transport was the biggest barrier to school children in Cardiff participating in swimming lessons, according to a key council decision maker. A partnership including Cardiff Council launched the Cardiff School Swimming pilot after a study came out in 2024 showing that only 16% of children in Cardiff could swim. City councillors said at a meeting earlier this year that they were worried to learn there were fewer people signed up to Greenwich Leisure Limited's (GLL) swim school membership in March 2025 compared with figures for March 2024. The council is now saying school engagement figures are up from 57% to 74% and that more than 2,250 children will have accessed swimming lessons at local pools through its pilot before the end of the academic year. Never miss a Cardiff story and sign up to our newsletter here. Cardiff Council's cabinet member for education, Cllr Sarah Merry, said: "Swimming is part of the Curriculum for Wales, yet only 57% of Cardiff schools were participating in curriculum swimming lessons in 2022/23 with transport costs identified as the most significant barrier. "We are committed to making significant changes so that schools have as much support as possible to enable swim provision to be delivered to learners and the pilot has already made an encouraging impact on accessibility and quality across the city, supporting the continuation and expansion of the model. "We want to ensure that with further refinements and through successful partnership working, Nofio Ysgol Caerdydd can lead the way in ensuring every child in Cardiff becomes a confident swimmer and is able to have fun and be safe in and around water." Article continues below One leisure manager in Cardiff said they were saddened by the findings in Cardiff Metropolitan University and Swim Wales' study on swimming ability in the city last year, which also revealed that only 57% of primary schools sent pupils to swimming lessons. The issue was raised again at a council scrutiny committee meeting in April 2025, when councillors were told that a total of 4,300 people were signed up to GLL, or Better Leisure's, swim school membership in March 2025 compared with 4,641 in March 2024. Cardiff Council's cabinet member for education, Cllr Sarah Merry (Image: South Wales Echo ) There was an increase in the number of people signed up to swim school membership between March, 2019 (4,387) and March, 2024. However, one scrutiny committee member, Cllr Margaret Lewis said this was not a good improvement over a six-year period. When asked about the figures, Head of Service at GLL Cardiff, Lee Jones, said: "It [swimming] is a key life skill. It [the data] is disappointing to see. It is one of our major objectives... is to get that number up." Mr Jones said Better was also trying to encourage parents to take their children to the swimming pool from the ages of 0-5 by offering concessionary prices. Cardiff Swim School was delivered by the Council's Cardiff Commitment Curriculum Team in partnership with Swim Wales, Cardiff Met Sport, GLL, Legacy Leisure, Urdd Gobaith Cymru and Public Health Wales. In addition to addressing a number of challenges schools face in accessing swimming lessons, new processes to collect data on those pupils who have completed school swimming lessons have been implemented. This is so partners can work with schools to identify those children who have not passed the national swim curriculum, Nofio Ysgol Gold Award, and ensure support is put in place to improve their water safety. Aquatics Development Manager for Cardiff Met Sport, Ryan David, said: "Drowning is still one of the biggest causes of accidental death in Wales, especially among young people. "Learning to swim and understanding water safety should be a basic right, not a privilege. Every child in Cardiff deserves the chance to learn these life-saving skills. "We're doing everything we can to make school swimming work for every school, and this pilot is a huge step forward. But we can't do it alone. Article continues below "We need providers, schools, families and the whole community behind us to make sure no child gets left behind." The Cardiff School Swimming pilot will be expanded in 2025/26.
BBC News
5 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
Liquidator appointed for bankrupt Lincoln leisure centres charity
A liquidator has been appointed for the bankrupt charity that ran two public leisure centres in and Birchwood leisure centres closed on 3 April after Active Nation ceased firm Beesley Corporate Recovery has been appointed to handle the charity's insolvency facilities are expected to fully reopen by mid-July after City of Lincoln Council, which owns the buildings, chose charitable social enterprise Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL) as the interim operator for them. At the time of the closures, Active Nation, a charity based in Warwickshire, blamed "the ongoing utility crisis and the challenges it has created" for the decision to cease year, it reported a deficit of more than £1m, which was shown in accounts submitted to an independent Charity Commission said it had "opened a case to assess concerns about the governance and financial management of Active Nation Limited".Representatives of the insolvency firm said any equipment or other assets in the leisure centres, owned by the charity, would be sold to raise money, according to the Local Democracy Reporting who believed they were owed money should contact Beesley Corporate Recovery by operates more than 250 leisure centres in partnership with local authorities around the country, including in neighbouring North has been appointed as the interim operator for a period of two years. Listen to highlights from Lincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here.
Yahoo
05-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
'This pool brings back lots of memories'
Happy childhood memories have come flooding back for families in an East Sussex town after a pool reopened under new management. A protest was held at the end of 2024 when two of the three pools at the Sovereign Centre in Eastbourne closed as the council struggled to cover its costs. Now under the new management of Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL) since 1 April, the centre has reopened its Fun Pool. Eight-year-old Nancy said she had come to the pool since she was a baby and it brought back "lots of memories". Speaking to BBC South East, she said: "I'm really happy it's open. "We have come here since we were babies, so it just brings back lots of memories." Her mother, Lucy, from Hailsham, brought her daughters to the reopening. "When it's been closed it's just so sad," she said. "Every time we've come here for a party, we've seen it empty and it's just eerie. "So today was a big day for us - they've been on at me for ages!" One adult who also had fond memories of the pool was the town's MP, Josh Babarinde. He told the BBC: "I learned to swim right here in the Sovereign Centre. I had my birthday parties here when I was a kid. "It's amazing that the future of this pool has been protected for future generations." Over the next three years, GLL said it would invest a minimum of £1m in the Sovereign Centre, in collaboration with Eastbourne Borough Council. Follow BBC Sussex on Facebook, on X and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@ or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250. Council to explore 'all further options' for pools Protest over closure of two swimming pools Negotiations ongoing to protect sports centre Operator confirms reopening day of leisure centre Eastbourne Borough Council GLL
Yahoo
06-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
'My world changed in seconds' - how this York fitness scheme is changing lives
How Healthwise scheme in York changes lives for the better HEALTHWISE is groundbreaking programme in York helping residents manage chronic conditions and improve their quality of life through the power of physical activity. Managed by GLL (Greenwich Leisure Limited), a charitable social enterprise that operates Better leisure centres across the city, it offers a lifeline for individuals living with long-term medical conditions. The scheme is available at Energise Leisure Centre in Acomb; York Leisure Centre at Monks Cross; Burnholme Sports Centre, and Yearsley Pool, where a team of highly qualified exercise referral specialists deliver tailored support. Since its launch in April 2018, the Healthwise programme has supported more than 6,000 local residents, helping them manage a wide range of conditions such as high blood pressure, obesity, asthma, anxiety, depression and musculoskeletal disorders. Better, York Leisure Centre at the Community Stadium complex. On average, 105 new referrals are received monthly, with 1,385 active members currently participating and 182 individuals awaiting their initial consultations. Remarkably, 78 per cent of participants complete the 12-week course, demonstrating its effectiveness and appeal. Healthwise is designed for individuals who require specialist support to manage their health. Referrals are made by healthcare professionals such as GPs and physiotherapists. The programme begins with an initial consultation, during which participants undergo assessments to determine their needs. Once enrolled, individuals embark on a 12-week prescribed exercise programme featuring a wide variety of classes, including: • Supervised gym sessions • Aqua health • Pilates • Chair-based exercises • Circuit training • COPD, cardiac and cancer-specific sessions Participants are monitored throughout the programme, with regular reviews and motivational support to help them achieve their goals. The cost of the 12-week programme is £25 per month (for unlimited access to group sessions/leisure centre facilities) or £5 per (gym/exercise) session on a pay-as-you-go basis. Following the initial 12 weeks, participants can continue to benefit from the Healthwise programme reduced membership for a further 21 months. Follow-up assessments are available at six and 12 months to ensure long-term progress and sustained benefits. We asked four York residents who are using Healthwise for their verdicts: Sally Hoskins, 68, from HeworthSally Hoskins getting fit. Photos supplied Sally has lost over five stone since joining the weight management programme in April 2022. Trouble with her knee during the pandemic prompted Sally to embark on a fitness regime to lose weight and improve her health. While waiting for a knee replacement operation, she decided to join her local Better leisure centre at Burnholme Sports Centre and was invited to sign up to the 12-week programme, learning about nutrition and health and taking part in chair Pilates. She returned to the gym following her operation to support her recovery and still attends regularly. Sally said: 'The team at Better are incredibly welcoming and supportive. Opening up and talking about health issues, weight loss and exercise was a very personal journey for me but Jo White, who is the Healthwise referral facilitator, couldn't have been more helpful. She's encouraging in a subtle and understated way that really inspires and motivates. She's very approachable – if I need to ask for advice, I know I can see her after a class or call. She's also a proficient exercise instructor, offering different options to meet a range of fitness levels. The classes I attend are well supported so I've got to meet a lot of new people, and my mobility is now back to what it was pre-Covid.' Stuart Rawlings, 63, from HuntingtonHealthwise participant Stuart Rawlings at York Leisure Centre. Photos supplied Stuart was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2022 at the age of 61. Stuart is MD at York Survey Supply Centre and was the first person in York with Parkinson's to join the Healthwise programme. Reluctant to take medication, he began a fitness programme to manage his symptoms and, so far, still doesn't need to take drugs. He has increased his strength, maintained movement, lost fat and gained confidence which he claims has improved his quality of life. Stuart said: 'When I received my diagnosis, my world changed in seconds. I immediately started thinking of chair lifts, ramps, giving up work and the impact it was going to have on my family. 'With research, I realised I had a choice to make – let it take over or learn to live with it. It's not a life sentence in that it doesn't alter your life expectancy, but if not managed, it can affect your quality of life. And of course, health professionals were promoting the benefits of exercise, so it was make or break for me. Despite being extremely anxious, as I'd never stepped foot in a gym previously and anxiety is a symptom of Parkinson's, I visited York Leisure Centre and the conversation quickly turned to the Healthwise programme. "Before I knew it, I was signed up and attended my interview, or rather 'chat', with Jason and Josh. To say they were upbeat and positive was an understatement and I was so impressed that they had a good grasp of my condition – it put me at ease and made me feel relaxed. "Following my induction and training programme, I began with two supervised gym sessions each week, under the guidance of Josh and the team, but quickly moved to times that better suited my work pattern. Regular meetings improved my confidence, and I added Aqua Health and Yoga to my routine. "By the end of the 12-week programme, I was actually enjoying the gym, doing five sessions each week and had made steady progress, but unnecessarily slightly concerned that the support would end. 'There's no sudden end to this mate – we are with you all the way' were my takeaway words from my final assessment. Exercise is now part of my life, but without the support of the Healthwise team, I'm not sure it would have been.' Libbie, 29, AcombLibbie taking part in the Yorkshire 10 mile run in York in October 2024 and with her medal. Photos supplied Libbie had previously enjoyed cycling and running. But over recent years, her severe asthma had prevented her from doing any exercise which had a negative impact on her mental health and wellbeing. Her GP suggested she join the Healthwise programme 18 months ago. Having never used a gym previously as she felt anxious and intimidated, she now uses the gym twice a week and swims, gaining confidence and improving her fitness. She recently completed the York ten-mile run and has signed up for the Manchester Marathon to raise money for Asthma and Lung UK. Libbie said: 'Kelly McTighe at Energise supported me on the Healthwise programme. She's absolutely bonkers but brilliant! I had the preconceived notion that gyms were places for macho men lifting super heavy weights, not people like me. I'd spent so long thinking that I couldn't do the gym because of my poor health. "But from the moment I met Kelly, she gave me the self-belief that made me feel actually, yes – I can do this. When she introduced me to the equipment and showed me how it all works, she normalised it all so that I didn't feel intimidated. "Naturally, my first few sessions were a little scary, but it was all in my head. I just kept telling myself to crack on. I now have the confidence to use the whole gym thanks to Kelly. She always asks how I'm doing when I bump into her and still takes an interest in my achievements.' Jane Metcalfe, from HeworthJane Metcalfe in Torridon in June 2018 on her first mountain since treatment. Image supplied (Image: Supplied) In December 2014, Jane Metcalfe and her long-term partner decided to get married. Jane had recently lost some close members of her family, and her partner's brother had been diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer a few months earlier. The date was set for Valentine's Day and the venue – Windsor Guildhall. They had just six weeks to plan the wedding. During that time, Jane was called back for further tests following a routine smear and was diagnosed with stage 3 ovarian cancer, two days after the wedding. She spent her 'honeymoon' in the oncology unit in York Hospital. Jane underwent chemotherapy treatment ahead of major surgery. In 2017, she decided to return to exercise and got a referral from York Against Cancer. She is one of the longest standing members of the group and regularly attends sessions. Jane's treatment continues and her condition was re-classed as stage 4 in 2021. Jane said: 'Prior to my diagnosis, I'd always been mindful of keeping fit and active and did so through yoga, walking and my love of gardening. "Cancer treatment is gruelling and takes months out of your life. You have to be mentally and physically strong so that you don't lose what life you have outside of the treatment. "Joining the programme has helped me achieve that and I've been very fortunate as I generally don't suffer from symptoms between treatment schedules. "Anyone can go to a gym but being part of this supportive group is so special. It provides discipline, routine and structure to my week. We're on a journey together and it's a group endeavour under the leadership of the incredible instructors – Jason and Josh. "My loyalty to the group as well as to Jason and Josh who put in so much effort and energy into running the sessions, spurs me on. I really do feel part of a community who've bonded over shared interests. It gives me focus and I've been fortunate to meet some wonderful comrades who are in the same predicament. Facing the future surrounded by people who are going through similar experiences really does help. "I'm a firm believer that one of the reasons I've handled chemotherapy so well is down to being fit and healthy so can't advocate the benefits of exercise enough."Individuals interested in the scheme can visit their local Better leisure centre to speak with a member of the Healthwise team or contact one of their health professionals. For further details, please visit or email healthwiseyork@
