GLL, the charitable social enterprise that operates municipal leisure centres on behalf of 50 local authorities under its Better brand, is working with national charity Carers UK to support the charity’s ‘Carers Active April’ campaign. The annual initiative aims to highlight the benefits of physical activity for unpaid carers.
To support the campaign, GLL has launched a concessionary membership for members of Carers UK and anyone who is in receipt of Carer’s Allowance.
Research by the charity shows how important being physically active is to unpaid carers, with 73% saying that being physically active makes them feel good about themselves and helps them to feel more connected to other people. However, three quarters of unpaid carers (76%) are not able to do as much physical activity as they would like because of the pressures of their caring role. Many want to know how to build this into their busy lives. Only 14% of unpaid carers are active, compared to 54% of all adults, and nearly 75% of carers don’t feel able to access local sport and leisure facilities.
Helen Walker, Chief Executive of Carers UK, which is leading the Active April campaign, said: “We know that many unpaid carers struggle to find the time, energy, or finances to engage in physical activity. They often prioritise the needs of the people they care for, over themselves.
“Our research shows that being active provides tangible benefits to carers’ health and wellbeing; We hope to encourage carers to look after their own physical and mental health through Carers Active April. We’re delighted to work with GLL to help carers engage in more physical activity by using their facilities.”
Peter Bundey, Chief Executive of GLL, added: ‘’We are delighted to be supporting Carers UK during Active April and recognise the crucial and often very challenging role that carers play. We already offer a wide range of concessionary memberships and invite carers visiting Better leisure centres in a caring capacity to access our facilities for free.
“We hope this reduced membership offer, available to carers when they visit on their own, will encourage more to recognise the importance of looking after their own physical and mental wellbeing and reap the benefits that regular physical activity offers.”
This unique membership is called ‘Better Health UK Carers’ and provides anytime access to a Better leisure facility at the discounted rate of £30 per month. This offer is exclusively for members of Carers UK and/or carers in receipt of Carer’s Allowance. Carers will be contacted by Carers’ UK with details of how to access the offer. The offer will be available until 14th May, to claim this membership click here.
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