Saturday
20
April
Free swimming lessons to be reduced at Maldwyn
13/09/2019 @ 08:02
Free swimming lessons at Maldwyn Leisure Centre and Llanidloes Sports Centre are to be reduced as part of savings being proposed by Powys County Council.
The council says changes are being made to the Sport Wales swimming initiative as a result of reduced funding from the Welsh Government.
"A review of the initiative designed to target specific groups in future - young people and the over 60s – will reduce the overall budget and reconfigure the number of sessions available in county centres," said a statement.
"The independent review found the scheme, although increasing swimmer numbers, was no longer really fit for purpose with the number of young swimmers showing a significant decline in recent years.
"For people aged 60 or over, the review found that only about six per cent of the targeted demographic accessed the scheme."
The statement said: "As a result the Welsh Government has introduced changes, reducing the budget and focussing the scheme on young people and people over the age of 60 from areas of deprivation. It will make sure that people who traditionally might not have accessed the services have the chance to learn a new life skill, and start swimming more frequently."
Cllr Rachel Powell, Portfolio Holder for Young People and Culture has said; “The free swim offer will still be provided but not in its current format. Working alongside our partners, Freedom Leisure, the local authority will do all it can to ensure residents understand the changes.
“The new approach to identify groups whom would most benefit from the scheme, is welcomed. As the benefits of leisure and sport of any kind has significant wellbeing effects that create resilience for physical and mental health. We look forward to continuing to work in collaboration with Sport Wales and Public Health partners, to create opportunities in identifying and supporting those groups.”
Please contact your local Freedom Leisure centre for more information about these changes to free swimming in Powys.
The council says changes are being made to the Sport Wales swimming initiative as a result of reduced funding from the Welsh Government.
"A review of the initiative designed to target specific groups in future - young people and the over 60s – will reduce the overall budget and reconfigure the number of sessions available in county centres," said a statement."The independent review found the scheme, although increasing swimmer numbers, was no longer really fit for purpose with the number of young swimmers showing a significant decline in recent years.
"For people aged 60 or over, the review found that only about six per cent of the targeted demographic accessed the scheme."
The statement said: "As a result the Welsh Government has introduced changes, reducing the budget and focussing the scheme on young people and people over the age of 60 from areas of deprivation. It will make sure that people who traditionally might not have accessed the services have the chance to learn a new life skill, and start swimming more frequently."
Cllr Rachel Powell, Portfolio Holder for Young People and Culture has said; “The free swim offer will still be provided but not in its current format. Working alongside our partners, Freedom Leisure, the local authority will do all it can to ensure residents understand the changes.
“The new approach to identify groups whom would most benefit from the scheme, is welcomed. As the benefits of leisure and sport of any kind has significant wellbeing effects that create resilience for physical and mental health. We look forward to continuing to work in collaboration with Sport Wales and Public Health partners, to create opportunities in identifying and supporting those groups.”
Please contact your local Freedom Leisure centre for more information about these changes to free swimming in Powys.
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