Burnley Leisure announce range of new services to help community stay fit and healthy

While staff at the not-for-profit charitable trust - which runs venues such as Prairie Sports Village, St Peter’s Leisure Centre, Padiham Leisure Centre, Towneley Golf Club, Burnley Mechanics theatre, and The Boathouse in Thompson Park - have been furloughed, they are volunteering to help with a programme of online content, outreach work, and advice for the community.

With resources including printed survival guides for elderly people, free skipping ropes for home use, and over 90 free online workouts for all fitness groups all made available, a timetable of outdoor workouts is also being considered if feasible under health restrictions. Furthermore, staff have made themselves available vehicles to support Burnley Council and local voluntary groups while the trust is working with schools to provide a free holiday club to children of key workers and NHS staff during the holidays.

“During the lockdown period to limit the coronavirus pandemic, Burnley Leisure is doing as much as possible in different ways to keep the community healthy, active, connected, and safe," said Anthony Preston, Chairman of Burnley Leisure Group. “Across the community, we serve a wide range of individuals and groups.

"This includes young and old, families, and people living alone who have different interests and requirements, from exercise and well-being to shows and music," added Mr Preston. "Material will include health and well-being advice, online tutorials, games, crosswords and quizzes, and written blogs about a variety of interests.

“This content will help everyone keep their minds and bodies active while confined to home. Physical and mental health is vitally important. Equally importantly, we will help keep the community informed and united, and keep everyone’s spirits up."

From April, gym members will have their fees reduced by 50% and, while direct debit and annual memberships can be frozen, Burnley Leisure have expressed hope that customers will continue to support them during what is an increasingly difficult time. All shows at Burnley Mechanics for March and April have been re-scheduled and those with tickets will be contacted.

“Like everybody else, Burnley Leisure looks forward to a return to normal life when the restrictions are lifted and we can reopen our venues," said Mr Preston. "We therefore ask for the public’s continued support so we can continue our wide range of community work, ensure we retain our dedicated staff for the future, and have our fantastic facilities ready to open as soon as possible.

"In the meantime, we’ll do everything we can do carry on serving the community," he added. “It’s also crucial that everyone keeps following NHS England’s restrictions. Stay home, exercise safely, protect the NHS, and save lives. We hope our new services will help everyone to follow these guidelines by enriching their daily lives amid the lockdown.

“Burnley Leisure has deep commitments to the whole community. Our venues and services are central to the quality of lives, physical and mental wellbeing, for thousands of people. Together, we contribute to Burnley’s deep civic pride and community spirit. Likewise, we must all work together now at this challenging time to keep everyone safe and healthy.”

For more information, head to burnleyleisure.co.uk