Around a quarter (26.7%) of people living in East Ayrshire have at least one long-term condition. The new suite in Stewarton features 11 pieces of Innerva’s specialist power-assisted equipment and is designed to support the over 65s, people with mobility issues, those with chronic medical conditions and individuals recovering from injury. It also offers a welcoming space for those who are least active in the community.  

East Ayrshire Leisure has worked closely with East Ayrshire’s Health and Social Care team and East Ayrshire Council’s Community Health Activity team (CHAT) to bring the project to fruition. The trust is also developing links with local GP practices, allied health partners, community connectors, mental health teams and other third sector partners such as Chest Heart Stroke Scotland to expand the impact of the facility.  

Greig Russell, strategic lead, East Ayrshire Leisure, said: 'Physical inactivity is one of the leading causes of disease and disability, yet we know that people tend to become less active as they age. The reality is that the over-65s are reluctant to use traditional gyms. That’s why this new Active Wellbeing Suite is so important. By working with our health and social care partners, we’re creating a direct pathway to activity for individuals who wouldn’t normally walk through our doors.

'We’ve built the space, now our partners are helping to bring people in. I can confidently say to my industry colleagues; if you want to get your local health care practitioners around the table and into your facilities introducing a project like this is the key.'

The impact of the suite is already being felt. After just three weeks, a cohort of 14 arthritis patients referred and supported by health and social care and the CHAT team has shown a 100% retention rate. This is a significant improvement compared to previous programmes, where drop-offs after the first week were common.

'The clients have not only stayed with the programme, they have bonded socially. The suite is more efficient too – a single member of staff running the class is now able to reach 14 people in the same amount of time they would normally spend with just three or four individuals,' said Russell.  

To support the project launch, the trust is introducing a new Active Wellbeing membership. For £10 per month – with the first month free – individuals on the activity on prescription programme will receive 12-months’ support from the CHAT team in addition to access to the Active Wellbeing suite, referral classes, swimming pool, main gym and use of a boditrax body composition and activity tracking platform. After 12 months, the goal is to transition customers to mainstream memberships to maintain their active lifestyle habits for the long term.

'The timing of this project couldn’t be better as we welcome the CHAT and Older People’s Wellbeing teams. Working together, we’re removing barriers and creating a seamless pathway into activity to make it easier for people to improve their health and wellbeing.'

Liz Wright, national sales manager, Innerva, said: 'It’s been an absolute pleasure working with East Ayrshire Leisure on this project. It’s remarkable how they’ve galvanised support from health, social care, local government and third-sector partners to make it happen. This level of collaboration doesn’t happen by chance, it happens when the right people are driving real change.'

The Active Wellbeing Suite was officially opened by female football trailblazer and the sports centre’s namesake, Rose Reilly. The project was made possible through funding from the Developers’ Contribution Fund for leisure projects in Stewarton.