Leisure centres in Scarborough and Ryedale are set to offer free membership to children in care and care experienced young people from this month.
Six centres, run by award-winning operator Everyone Active in partnership with Scarborough Borough Council and Ryedale District Council, are taking part in the new initiative to reduce the barriers between children and young people participating in sport and physical activity.
These centres are:
- Ryedale Swim and Fitness Centre, Ryedale Sports Centre, Derwent Swim and Fitness Centre – run in partnership with Ryedale District Council
- Scarborough Sports Village, Pindar Leisure Centre, Whitby Leisure Centre – run in partnership with Scarborough Borough Council
The free membership will give them access to a range of facilities depending on their age, including gym, swim, soft play and group exercise.
According to latest figures from the Department for Education for children looked after (CLA) in England, the number of children in care is at an all-time high, at more than 80,000 children or 67 in every 10,000.
This year, Everyone Active launched its national Community Health and Wellbeing Strategy, with the aim to meet the needs of individual communities through programmes that support people to be physically active, and to feel happy and healthy.
As part of the strategy, this membership will support children in care or care experienced young children with free access to leisure facilities that can help improve their physical health and mental wellbeing.
The complimentary membership for cared for children and care experienced young people can be accessed and set up through a referral system from local council family support teams.
We are immensely proud to launch this partnership in Scarborough and Ryedale. We understand the vital role we play in supporting all areas of the community and feel this membership will make a real difference to many young people’s lives.