Free Activity day to re-launch Fab & Fifty scheme

(Date of issue: Tuesday, 25 January 2011)

A free activity day to re-launch the ‘Fab and Fifty’ activity programme aimed at the 50+ age group will be held this Thursday (27 January) at Carlisle’s Sands Centre.

Funding through the SPAA initiative (Sports and Physical Activity Alliance) has enabled the project to be drawn together by Carlisle Leisure Limited and Carlisle City Council’s Sports and Recreation team.

The event on Thursday (27 January) begins at 9am and will finish at 5pm. All activities will be free of charge and an open invitation is extended for people to come along and take part is as many activities as they want or come and see for themselves what is available.

The event will feature a host of local organisations who all specialise in activities or resources for the 50+ age group, including, Age UK, and More Active for Health. The initial concept for the scheme was devised by new Carlisle Leisure Limited’s Managing Director, Andy King.

“It’s an absolute fact that over the next decade the number of over 50s will grow considerably” says Andy. “As the main provider of sport, leisure and cultural activities within Carlisle and Allerdale it is only right that we look to address what we are able to provide for this particular age group and readdress our current offer to be able to deliver exactly what people want from us.”

Andy is quick to point out that the programme is not just about taking part in traditional leisure centre activities: “A big part of the programme launch will be about finding out what exactly people want to take part in. We obviously have in place sport and leisure activities but we can also provide space within our facilities for other activities to take place such as arts, music, drama, demonstrations, cookery. “

A programme of events has been scheduled for the launch day which will include Spinning, Badminton, Drawing Workshops, Gym Sessions, Raquetball, Ballroom Dancing, Tai Chi, Salsa, Tennis, Walking plus the launch of the new More Active for Health course and much more! The majority of the activities will take place at The Sands Centre with some also running at Carlisle Pools and Bitts Park.

Cllr Ray Bloxham, Portfolio holder for Local Environment, said:

“We are delighted to be a lead partner in this new programme. The SPAA had no hesitation in funding such a worthwhile project which we hope will deliver huge benefits to the local community. Our Sport & Recreation team and our colleagues at Carlisle Leisure have been putting together an activity programme that has already been extremely well received. There will be a huge range of activities in place for this age group which they can take part in on a regular basis. In addition to this programme, we will be supporting outreach programmes across local urban communities and also throughout key rural localities.”

The scheme is delivered by Carlisle City Council and Carlisle Leisure Limited in partnership with a whole host of local organisations. Under the guidance of both teams, a bank of volunteers has been recruited who will be a crucial part of the scheme.

Garry Schubert, Sport and Physical Activity Officer from Carlisle City Council said:

“Our volunteers will help us to deliver the 50+ programme and will form an important link between the participants and ourselves and will provide support and guidance to those who take part in the activities. The City Council already has a successful volunteer programme in place and we will be able to mentor any new recruits and help them to get the most out of the experience.”

The programme thereafter will be discounted for participants thanks to the subsidy provided by the SPAA funding. Sessions will take place every Thursday at The Sands Centre, Carlisle Pools, Bitts Park and Morton Pool and participants will pay just £3 for as many activities as they can fit in on the day. Information about the scheduled activities after the launch will be available from www.carlisleleisure.com   or www.carlisle.gov.uk    or email  Kelly.donnelly@carlisleleisure.com   to be added to the mailing list for weekly timetable information.

Anybody interested in volunteering for the new programme should call Kelly Donnelly on 01228 553181 or email kelly.donnelly@carlisleleisure.com

A full timetable for the day is now available from The Sands Centre and posted online at www.carlisleleisure.com