Council and leisure to boost wellbeing services

As part of a renewed partnership arrangement, Cannock Chase Council and leisure provider partner, Inspiring healthy lifestyles (IHL), are looking to boost its wellbeing offering to residents.

The council and the leisure provider are to devise a new plan to prioritise supporting people which are inactive during lockdown, after agreeing to continue their longstanding arrangement whereby IHL manages leisure facilities and provide wellbeing services.

Recent research by University College London shows that 40 per cent of people are doing less exercise in third national lockdown compared to the first.

A new plan is being devised by Cannock Chase Council to prioritise supporting people who are inactive during lockdown.

Councillor Mitchell (pictured), portfolio leader for Culture and Sport at Cannock Chase Council, said “The council have an excellent relationship with Inspiring Healthy Lifestyles who have managed our leisure and culture services for the last ten years.

“The last twelve months have been very challenging for all of us and, in particular, our leisure provider - with the pandemic severely impacting on their income.

“The health and wellbeing of our residents is to become particularly important due to the impact of lockdowns and it was essential that this Council provides the necessary financial support to ensure our leisure and cultural facilities are there for our residents as soon as the Government allows.

“We are delighted to be working with Inspiring healthy lifestyles on a new plan to support our communities to be fitter and healthier once restrictions are lifted and to provide the opportunities that our residents can once more have healthy and active lifestyles.

“As we come out of this Covid crisis, it is imperative - more than ever before - that we provide ways to create healthier and more resilient communities. ”

Pete Burt, managing director of Inspiring healthy lifestyles, said: “It will take a long time to evaluate the impact Covid-19 has had on the nation 's health but we know that helping people suffering from the effects of long-Covid and encouraging people to get back into the habit of regularly exercising, following months of restrictions and lockdowns is a key priority for Cannock Chase Council.

“We are committed to supporting our partners locally and recognise the importance of improving public health across the districts. Currently finalising the details of plans with council officers, we look forward to providing a wide range of Covid-safe services and activities. ”