New active wellbeing model recommended for North Yorkshire

A strategic review of leisure services in North Yorkshire has recommended a new, joined-up delivery model for publicly-owned leisure venues in the region.

The review suggests the creation of a new sport and active wellbeing service, with a strong focus on health and wellbeing. It also recommends that there should be “strong integration between physical facilities (leisure centres), sports development and place-based delivery”.

“The aim is for high impact, preventative services that have the capacity to take demand out of the wider health and social care system and improve population health,” the review reads.

“The delivery model will shift the traditional leisure service to a sport and active wellbeing service. This builds on the work that is already happening across the county to provide a range of targeted support – including those for specific conditions, pre- and rehab, healthy weight, exercise referral, dementia, frailty and pain management – as well as increasing the inclusivity of programmes.

“It recognises the costs to the public sector of inactivity and enables a greater contribution to wider Council outcomes around public health and social care.”

The review, by North Yorkshire Council, supported by SLC Consultancy, included visits to facilities, including community-owned/managed facilities. The deliver model recommended by the review promotes a strong integration between physical facilities (sport and wellbeing hubs), sports development and place-based delivery.