Local MP Welcomes Plans To Improve Access To Leisure Facilities For Carers

North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson has welcomed plans by Better Leisure to make access to sports & recreation facilities easier for carers.

Better Leisure Centres in Swindon have launched a new initiative designed to support carers, by recognising the barriers they often experience in accessing leisure activities and improving accessibility to the sports and leisure facilities it operates.

Carers registered with Swindon Carers Centre will be offered discounted membership to Better facilities, enabling them to take part in a range of activities including gym workouts, swimming, sports and fitness classes. It is hoped the discounted membership will encourage carers to take vital breaks away from their caring roles, while boosting their mental and physical wellbeing.

Those registered with Swindon Carers Centre are being offered a 20% discount on Better Health and Fitness memberships and the removal of the usual joining fee. Swindon Carers Centre will provide a letter of confirmed registration showing proof of eligibility and carers should then visit their local Better leisure centre to sign up.

Justin Tomlinson MP said: “Carers make an overwhelming contribution to our local communities. I am glad to see Better Leisure Centres engaging with Swindon Carers Centre and I hope that businesses will see this & be inspired to reach out and do what they can to offer carers a chance to take time out and enjoy themselves.”

Rhys Jones, Partnership Manager for Better Leisure Centres in Swindon said: “We know the huge psychological and physical benefits that regular physical activity provides. Carers are the unsung heroes of our society, who often neglect their own well-being in order to look after others. We hope that this initiative will encourage more of Swindon’s carers to enjoy some time to themselves to de-stress, refocus and socialise. Currently, all carers accompanying someone with a disability can access Better facilities for free. However, this new initiative is focussed on enhancing their own leisure time.”

Swindon Carers Centre Deputy CEO, Fiona Prinzi said, “Being a carer can often have a severe, significant and long-lasting impact on their own health and wellbeing. It is fantastic to see Better leisure centres supporting carers to access their services, which could help them to improve their physical and mental wellness and reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation.”

Contact Swindon Carers Centre on 01793 531133 or email carers@swindoncarers.org.uk to obtain a confirmation letter or for more information.