City’s young people to benefit from free leisure activities

As part of the council’s Evry plan this latest project will give care experienced young people aged 16 to 21 free access to all gym, swimming, and fitness classes within Newcastle’s four Better leisure centres for six months.

Cllr Lesley Storey, Cabinet Member for a Growing City, Newcastle City Council said: “This new initiative is the latest project as part of our Evry plan to support the city’s babies, children, and young people.

“As we reach the one year anniversary of the launch of this plan, I am proud to see that the feedback from our young people about needing more things to do and places to go as well and more support with mental wellbeing is being used to develop these positive partnership offers.

“By working with partners such as GLL we are providing opportunities for young people to enjoy new experiences with their friends in a safe and healthy environment which they may otherwise not have been able to access.”

Alison Westworth, Newcastle Partnership Manager at GLL said: “GLL, the UK’s largest Social Enterprise run several leisure centres across Newcastle under our Better brand in partnership with Newcastle city council. 

“Our company champions equal opportunities and community links in all aspects of the service.  We are proud to build a partnership with Evry and support opportunities to access health and fitness facilities across Newcastle.  These passes will allow access to our facilities for Gym, swim, and fitness classes for 6 months. 

“Those offered the passes will be able to access East End Pool in Byker, Newcastle Trampoline park and Gym on the West Road, Gosforth Leisure Centre in Gosforth and West Denton leisure Centre in the West of the city.  It will be a great opportunity for young adults to improve their physical and mental wellbeing and we hope the engagement through this partnership with young people in our communities is a great success.”

The free passes will be distributed to eligible young people from the week commencing 17 July and will be valid for six months.

The Evry plan brings together over 100 partner organisations to make a positive difference to the lives of babies, children, and young people in Newcastle. It was informed by consultation with 1,800 people, aged 25 and under, who expressed the need for positive things to do in their communities, better opportunities for training and work, more support for mental wellbeing, access to affordable transport, and safe places to play.