BH Live supporting Carers’ access to physical activity
Registered charity BH Live is actively encouraging more Carers’ in the region to improve their own health and wellbeing by going along to their local leisure centre.
A recent report by Carers UK found that carers face many barriers preventing them from prioritising their health and wellbeing, including lack of time, lack of motivation, lack of funds, and lack of support.
BCP residents who have a Carer Friendly ID Card or receive Carers Allowance are currently eligible to apply for BH Live Active’s Access scheme. This is a BH Live initiative that offers discounted leisure centre membership to individuals in receipt of certain benefits to make sport and leisure facilities more financially accessible. Nearly 1,000 members are currently supported by the scheme across the BCP region.
More than 33,000 people are estimated to be providing unpaid care across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole**. Only 2,000 people across the region are currently registered for a Carer Friendly ID Carer.
As a social enterprise one of BH Live’s main social objectives is to encourage more people to participate in physical activity. This includes encouraging individuals to overcome social and financial barriers by offering free community events, a diverse range of health and wellbeing programmes, and concessionary activities.
BH Live Active, Queen’s Park and Corfe Mullen are operated by BH Live. Sir David English Sports Centre is operated by BH Live in partnership with Bournemouth School Charitable Trust. Littledown Centre, Pelhams and Stokewood are operated by BH Live in partnership with BCP Council.
Viv Galpin, Health and Wellbeing Manager for BH Live in Bournemouth, said;
“Thousands of carers are currently undertaking the most amazing care work across the BCP region to support some of the most vulnerable people in our community. They often put their own needs to one side and that includes being regularly active in their local leisure centre.
“Through our Access scheme and by working with local stakeholders such as Forward Carers, we are working to provide more support to carers so they can improve their health and wellbeing.”
The Carer Friendly ID Card is a national scheme delivered by Forward Carers and is provided for free to Carers (aged 10+) registered with either the Carer Support Dorset service or BCP Carer Support. Forward Carers is commissioned by BCP and Dorset local authorities and is committed to supporting Carers nationally.
On behalf of Forward Carers, Rachel Close, Programme Manager shared;
“Forward Carers is thrilled by this exciting new partnership with BH Live. This initiative recognises the invaluable contributions Carers make to our local community and aims to support their well-being. We know how essential it is for Carers to prioritise their well-being, as they often dedicate so much of their time and energy to caring for others.
“By taking advantage of BH Live Active facilities, Carers can maintain their physical health, reduce stress, and find a supportive community, ultimately enabling them to continue providing the best care possible.”
More information about BH Live Active’s Access Scheme and discounted and concessionary memberships can be found at bhliveactive.org.uk/access-scheme.
The Carer Friendly ID Card is provided by Forward Carers and is the official Carers ID Card for Dorset. Unpaid Carers that have not yet registered for their Carers ID Card, can find out more information at dorsetcarerscard.org.uk.