CARE leavers in Newark and Sherwood are now among the first in the country to access free membership to their local council-run leisure centres.

This will enable individuals to obtain access to the council’s leisure centres in Newark, Ollerton, Southwell and Blidworth up until their 25th birthday – free of charge – as part of a Newark and Sherwood District Council scheme.

The council has been working closely with Nottinghamshire County Council and the other six local authorities in the county to create this latest ‘Local Offer’ for young people, providing care leavers free gym, swimming facilities and fitness classes.

The aim is to improve health, boost confidence and mental wellbeing while giving the young adults a chance to try out new activities and meet new people.

Active4Today operates four leisure centres for the district council, including the Newark Sports and Fitness Centre and Southwell Leisure Centre, through an agreement with Southwell Leisure Centre Trust.

District council chairman of the leisure and environment committee, Councillor Roger Jackson, said: “Physical activity has a tremendously positive impact on emotional and physical wellbeing so this really is a fantastic initiative.

“Young people who have been in care might not have been able to readily access opportunities like these and may face significant barriers to taking part in regular physical activity. We hope the free leisure offer will empower care leavers in the district to lead more active, healthy lives and develop new skills through physical activity.”

District council chief executive John Robinson said: “Every parent wants the best for their children and demonstrates this in all kinds of ways.

“Young people leaving care are often unable to rely on the family support that is provided to others their age and as corporate parents, this is where we can step in. Providing free access to leisure centres is a practical way in which local councils can level the playing field for care leavers and improve their quality of life.”

The Nottinghamshire offer for care leavers aims to provide support and guidance on a whole host of subjects including money, employment, health, family, relationships and setting up a home.

Care leavers will benefit from Council Tax payments being waived until the age of 25, financial support whilst at university including £3,465 a year towards fees and accommodation costs paid all year round, help to access support with childcare costs while working or studying and help with securing a £1,000 apprenticeship bursary.

Councillor Philip Owen, chairman of the Children and Young People’s Services, at Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “It is a big step for young people when they move out of care and start living on their own or with others. They deserve the best support possible both practical and emotional.

“I’m delighted that the councils across Nottinghamshire have worked so closely on this latest addition to the Local Offer which will help to give care leavers free access to leisure facilities via a year-long membership which can renewed every year until they turn 25 years old.”

Care leaver campaigner Terry Galloway was instrumental in advising on Nottinghamshire’s Local Offer and is well placed to offer advice having been in care himself throughout the 1980s and early 1990s.

He said: “My mission now is to create a better pathway for children in care and care leavers so that they have the support they need, akin to the support we would give our own children.”

Details about the Nottinghamshire’s Local Offer for Care Leavers can be found at https://www.nottshelpyourself.org.uk/careleaverslo

For more information, please contact your Personal Adviser or if you are aged 21 – 24 years old then contact Nottinghamshire County Council’s 21Plus Team at [email protected] or 0115 804 4154.