West Lothian Leisure (Xcite), the registered Scottish charity, has delivered an impressive £14.4 million in social value through its services and programmes in 2023/2024, with this substantial achievement reflecting the Community Leisure Trust’s commitment to creating healthier, happier and longer lives for communities in West Lothian.
Announced in the charity’s newly published 2023/2024 annual review, this social value includes significant reductions in healthcare costs, including £105,444 saved through fewer GP visits, £154,768 in reduced psychotherapy costs, £822,221 saved in Type 2 Diabetes care, £809,228 in dementia care savings, £460,269 saved by preventing hip fractures and £235,956 saved in coronary heart disease and stroke care.
Social value refers to the broader benefits that activities, services or interventions create for individuals and communities, including improvements in physical and mental health, personal development, social well-being and connectivity. This data was collated through an Integratis Consulting social value analysis report commissioned by West Lothian Leisure in May 2024.
The 2023/24 annual report shows that West Lothian Leisure received a record-breaking 2.6 million visits to venues and services, including health and exercise referrals, high and low impact gym classes, swimming sessions, coaching sessions, racquet sports and golf sessions. Highlights in the review include a 25% increase in concessionary visits through the means-tested Access Xcite programme, a collaboration with West Lothian Council that provides discounted access to low-income families and those in receipt of certain benefits. Additional highlights include the introduction of pioneering initiatives like the Fitness Factory, a structured programme designed to introduce 12-15-year-olds to a gym environment safely and effectively.
Among those who have benefited is 12-year-old Fleur Bunskoek, who joined the Fitness Factory to prepare for a downhill alpine ski race.
Fleur said: “The personalised programme created by the Xcite team helped me improve my core strength and balance, enabling me to win my race for the second year running. I feel stronger and more confident—it’s been a game-changer for me!”
Following her doctor’s recommendation, Active 65+ member Lizzie Woollams, joined Xcite to manage osteoarthritis in her knee. Now nearly 70, she attends classes four times a week and has seen remarkable improvements. Lizzie said: “I used to think gyms weren’t for me, but now I’m stronger, more active, and loving life. It’s a real community here.”
In 2023/24 West Lothian Leisure collaborated successfully with organisations such as Chest, Heart & Stroke Scotland, Parkinson’s UK, and Scottish Gymnastics with the Love to Move dementia support programme, ensuring a broader reach for those who need support the most.
Ben Lamb, CEO of West Lothian Leisure, said: “We are incredibly proud to deliver £14.4 million in social value, a testament to the dedication of our staff and volunteers, and the ongoing support from our partners, including West Lothian Council. These numbers aren’t just statistics—they represent lives changed for the better. Every pound saved for the health service represents lives improved, health preserved, and communities strengthened. This is what our mission, creating healthier, happier and longer lives in West Lothian is all about. We aim to continue growing participation and create opportunities for every West Lothian resident to enjoy the benefits of physical activity and wellbeing.”
To read the full report, click here: https://online.flippingbook.com/view/343838640/
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