Agenda item

To receive a presentation on Get Active: Creating Physically Active Communities in Wokingham. (45 mins)

The Board received a presentation on Get Active: Creating Physically Active Communities in Wokingham.

During the discussion of this item the following points were made:

·         Julie Hotchkiss, Interim Public Consultant, outlined the benefits of physical activity in the short, medium and long term.  Physical activity also boosted recovery and rehabilitation once a condition such as diabetes and stroke had developed.

·         Risks associated with inactivity went right across the life course and could include mental health problems and poor core strength, balance and skeletal health.

·         Board members were informed of the recommended levels of physical activity.  The recommended level for adults was 150 minutes a week, or 30 minutes of moderate activity 5 days a week.  This could be in bouts of 10 minutes if the heart rate increased.

·         Beverley Thompson, Service Manager Sports and Leisure, informed the Board of the investment in leisure.  Ryeish Green Sports Hub would be opening in August 2018 and Bulmershe Leisure Centre was being rebuilt and was due for completion in July 2020.  Carnival Pool would be redeveloped from approximately September 2020 and Loddon Valley Leisure Centre would be enhanced from October 2018.  The Board was also informed of Arborfield Green Leisure Centre and 3G football pitches.

·         Beverley outlined some of the benefits of the leisure contract including free membership to children in care, care leavers and foster children/siblings and free swimming for children in receipt of free school meals during the school holidays.

·         Glenn Goudie, Physical Activity Co-ordinator, informed the Board of the SHINE activities programme for over 60s.  There were currently 2,400 active members and 66 different classes on offer.  Classes ranged from between 10 and 30 people. 

·         Glenn also highlighted some of the parks and green spaces within the Borough.

·         Sian Attard, GP Referral and Long Term Conditions Manager, highlighted the long term conditions programme.  The Health promotion offer consisted of the GP Referral Physical Activity Scheme, Steady Steps (Falls Prevention), Mindful Health and Wellbeing, Cardiac Rehab Phase 4 and the Long Term Health Conditions Programme.  It was noted that there was a rehabilitation gym at Loddon Valley Leisure Centre.

·         Brian Wooldridge, Health walk leader, stated that he had been involved in health walks for 20 years and now led approximately 5 walks a week.  They were a good way to make friends and to get fit.

·         Julie Pillai, Road Safety Officer, encouraged the Board to make use of the My Journey Wokingham page which promoted active and sustainable travel.  Councillor Dolinski questioned whether the routes suggested for travel included dedicated cycle paths and was informed that they did.

·         Julie went on to outline some of the work undertaken including Bikeability cycle training in schools and the SHINE cycling session around California Country Park.

·         Natalie Mears, Public Health Project Officer, informed the Board of Public Health campaigns.

·         Ian Clayton led the Board in a Tai Chi session.

·         Nick Campbell-White asked if all of the GP surgeries within the Borough referred to the Long Term Health Conditions Programme.  Sian Attard indicated that Parkside and Brookside surgeries were the main referrers but approximately 8 surgeries made referrals.  In response to a Member question Sian emphasised that the programme was for 24 weeks but not all participants stayed to the end.

·         Tessa Lindfield asked what the Board could do to help encourage people to undertake further physical activity.  Beverley Thompson commented that it would be helpful if all surgeries within the Borough could be encouraged to make referrals where appropriate.  Dr Milligan requested that a presentation be made at a GP Council meeting.  Katie Summers suggested that information about the services available could also be put up on the television screens within the GP surgeries.

RESOLVED:  That the presentation on Get Active: Creating Physically Active Communities in Wokingham be noted.