Residents in the District of Blaby have been named as one of the most physically active thanks to the work of the Health and Leisure Services team.
Using funding from Leicestershire County Council Public Health, Blaby District Council’s Health and Leisure Service deliver various programmes for different target groups every year; from school sports partnerships to specific activities for older people.
A “Physical Activity Pathway” with exercise programmes designed to increase activity, avoid falls in the home and for those in need of cardiac rehabilitation is also offered.
As well as enabling residents to get specialist exercise, the work of the Physical Activity Pathway can also lead to a reduction in demand on health services.
Analysis of the programmes offered over the last year highlighted that over 11,000 residents participated in at least one programme offered by the Health and Leisure team, the second highest number across the county.
The team also engaged over 1,000 participants with a disability and over 1,000 BAME residents. These figures were the highest and second highest across the county respectively.
Blaby District also became the only local area in Leicestershire to engage more males than females, with inactive men far harder to engage historically.
Councillor Iain Hewson, Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Regulatory Services, said: “We are incredibly proud of our Health and Leisure team. Each and every programme run for all ages and abilities had led to this success, with healthier, more active residents the result.
“Our dedicated staff have made an effort to get out into the local community and working with residents to achieve this year’s fantastic outcome. Their local knowledge and expertise means the funding from the County Council is used wisely.”
For more information on the programmes and activities available for residents, visit www.sportblaby.org.uk or email leisure@blaby.gov.uk.
