Strategic Partnership helps young people to B Active

An innovative scheme to give free access to leisure activities to young people in need got under way at the beginning of the year. B Active is designed to improve young people's physical and emotional health by providing them with three months free access to swimming lessons or gym membership at local leisure centres.

The scheme is funded by South Somerset Together, the local strategic partnership, and is run by South Somerset District Council's Sport, Arts & Leisure service as part of the local authority's Young People Strategy 2006-2012.

B Active, which began operating in January 2008, is funded by a £10,000 grant from South Somerset Together and aims to benefit up to 200 young people.

Young people can be referred to the scheme by a number of organisations, including schools, Police Community Support Officers and youth offending teams. If they successfully complete the activity programme, they also receive a one-year Passport to Leisure card giving discounts on a range of leisure activities and other concessions.

Jay Lewin, the district council's Young People's Officer, said; "This scheme offers young people who might be facing emotional or mental problems, the opportunity to take part in regular leisure activities as away of promoting a greater sense of well-being and helping them to improve their lives."

Paull Robathan, Chairman of South Somerset Together, said; "This is a prime example of how the South Somerset Together partnership can help to get groundbreaking initiatives up and running.

"By applying our resources to projects such as this one, we can make a real contribution to the physical and mental good health of our young people."

For more information on the scheme, please contact Jay Lewin on 01935 462414.