Agenda item

Report of the Head of Community Services

The Leisure Services Team Manager presented the report and introduced Mr D McHendry, Consultant from KKP Ltd.

Councillor V Richichi asked who would be targeted with the strategy.  Mr D McHendry explained that there were key groups of people including those who were unhealthy, not active, and had no access to facilities.  The information on these groups had been compiled by Sport England over the last ten years and was still ongoing.

Councillor S Sheahan commented that when attempting to target groups it was important to consider the two main barriers which was motivation and convenience.  It was also important to consider the different levels of social interaction required by individuals.  Mr D McHendry reported that previous consultation raised the issue of isolation as a key challenge for people to be active.  Councillor S Sheahan added that social interaction was important but a leisure centre setting could be intimidating for some.  The Leisure Services Team Manager felt that it was important to take a holistic approach when deciding on what to offer, both in the leisure centre and the community.

Councillor N Smith raised the importance of holding activity classes for cardiac patients, as in his experience there was nothing available within the District.  He felt it was important to include this group of people and to involve GP surgeries so that information was available to all.

Councillor T Eynon commented that activities such as dog walking was not included on the list, it was generally sporting activities only.  Mr D McHendry confirmed that activities such as dog walking were included but for the purpose of the report only the top activities were listed.  Councillor T Eynon felt that it would be hard to motivate some people as they may not want to go to a leisure centre.  She also hoped that all forms of activities including community groups, Zumba, dancing, walking and gardening would be mapped during the process.  She felt it was very important to include less expensive forms of activity and to make the community aware of them.

Councillor T Eynon asked if employers would also be targeted to encourage an active workforce.  The Leisure Services Team Manager felt that work place health was very important and it would form part of the strategy.

Councillor A C Saffell felt that more education on food choices should also be included as many people lived on junk food. He also felt that the Council should be clamping down on the number of fast food establishments being opened as they had an impact.

The Chairman raised the point that there was specific reference to smoking within the presentation but no mention of alcohol consumption.  He was aware of the impact alcohol had on people’s physical and mental health and believed it should be included.

The Leisure Services Team Manager invited Members to engage in the wider consultation in due course.

It was moved by Councillor N Smith, seconded by Councillor T Eynon and

RESOLVED THAT:

a)     The process and timelines to develop a North West Leicestershire Health and Wellbeing Strategy be noted.

b)     The engagement of the consultation process be noted.