Lincs Inspire, based in North East Lincolnshire, has been awarded £324,454 over three years from the National Lottery Community Fund.
The grant funds are set to enhance the trust’s offer for local people who are living with a long-term medical condition, disability, or age-related mobility challenges. The funds and future opportunities were celebrated at a Discovery Event at Cleethorpes Leisure Centre in early December, where residents were invited to find out more about the programmes available.
Ben Frary, Lincs Inspire’s Health Improvement Manager, said: “The physical benefits of activity when living with a health condition are profound, and the social and mental impact can be transformative. Getting out, socialising, meeting other people in similar situations and talking to our wonderful staff can’t be underestimated.”
The funding will be used to provide subsidised access to the established ‘Active Forever’ 12-week referral programme for eligible residents. Those on the scheme, or having completed it, will be encouraged to attend a new programme of low cost, low impact exercise classes and social activities, of which taster sessions were offered at the Discovery Event with Face Yoga inspiring interest!
Furthermore, the funding will be used to introduce a new buddying programme, where those with lived experience can volunteer their energy and understanding to bring inspiration and hope to those who need it. This programme focuses on supporting adults leaving hospital or living alone, where access to exercise would be beneficial.
And lastly, to support those customers who may be nervous about stepping into a leisure facility, virtual tours will be available. These are aimed at building knowledge and confidence, giving customers a better understanding of leisure centre’s features, layout and the services and activities available to support them.
Mr Frary added: “Regular physical activity can help those living with a health condition manage their symptoms more effectively and improve their mental wellbeing. It can lead to other benefits such as lower medication use, reduced pain, and an improved overall quality of life.
“However, we know there are barriers preventing people from taking the steps to a more active lifestyle. Therefore, we are incredibly grateful for this funding from The National Lottery Community Fund, which will be used to support and encourage those people most in need to become, and stay, active.”
The funding is helping to support residents who meet the criteria set by the NHS England’s Core20PLUS5 initiative. The approach defines a target population cohort – the ‘Core20PLUS’ – and identifies ‘5’ focus clinical areas requiring accelerated improvement.
Many of the programmes are therefore aimed at those who are:
Living with and beyond cancer
Struggling with their mental health
Experiencing respiratory difficulties
Diagnosed with cardiovascular disease
Looking to stay active during pregnancy or after birth
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