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 we at Leisure Connection are extremely proud of the work we are doing in this area. Working in partnership with Buckinghamshire University and Wheelpower – the National Charity for Wheelchair Sport – we have developed and now launched a new Disability Training Academy.

Here 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.

Kevin Yates, National Health and Fitness Manager, Leisure Connection