Targeting hard to reach groups

Leisure Connection is motivated by projects focused on widening access to leisure and physical activity among hard to reach groups and communities. We are working very closely with PCTs to ensure all centres have fully functional GP and exercise referral programmes. A lot of health and fitness brands say they work with PCTs and GPs to deliver exercise referral programmes, but in actual fact the doctors aren’t engaged and it’s run on a very ad hoc basis. We are working hard to ensure all GPs and health professionals are aware of the benefits open to referring their patients.

With more than 6 million disabled people living in the UK, access to first class training is vital. Sport and exercise can offer them the same opportunities able-bodied people have and Leisure Connection are extremely proud of the work acomplished in this area. Working in partnership with Buckinghamshire University and Wheelpower – the National Charity for Wheelchair Sport - Leisure Connection have developed and now launched a new Disability Training Academy. 

Coaches and exercise professionals can get the very best in training and tuition that will enable them to go out into their sites and even wider communities to deliver disability sport – whether it’s disability basketball, tennis or just rehabilitation.

Inclusive fitness 

Leisure Connection have invested money into new equipment and upgrading facilities to ensure they are accessible to all. £33,000 was invested into our North and South Kesteven contracts thanks to Lincolnshire PCT. This money was spent across four leisure centres to deliver a more accessible and inclusive experience at the centres.

The funding is part of the ongoing Inclusive Fitness Initiative (IFI), which is a programme supporting the fitness industry to become more inclusive, catering for the needs of disabled and non-disabled people, raising physical activity participation levels.