Fighting Fit for employment! The aim of the scheme is to increase levels of physical activity and to improve motivation and confidence in order to ultimately assist people in getting back into a training and a working environment. Each Routes to Health and Fitness card will enable the client access leisure facilities free of charge for 3 months, this can be extended if permission received from the clients Key worker.
The project is aimed at individuals who are currently on the Routes to Work scheme. Individuals who qualify for the Routes to Work scheme are aged 30+ or over, have been unemployed for either 2 years + or 13 weeks if they have experienced barriers towards employment (e.g. homelessness, financial barriers, single parent etc.).
Working with Routes to Work Tees Active have developed the Routes to Health and Fitness scheme which enables individuals on the Routes to Work scheme to access Activ8 gyms, fitness classes and swimming free of charge for a 3-month period. The scheme is designed to not only improve the clients physical and mental health but will hopefully improve the client’s confidence and self-esteem. If clients on the scheme are particularly nervous, they can be accompanied by their key worker to make them feel comfortable in a leisure setting.
Everyone accessing Routes to Health and Fitness received an initial risk assessment and baseline measure of their mental health from the Routes to Health and Fitness Project Co-ordinator.
Individuals who qualify for the Routes to Work scheme are aged 30+ or over, have been unemployed for either 2 years + or 13 weeks if they have experienced barriers towards employment (e.g. homelessness, financial barriers, single parent etc.).
All participants have free access to the Activ8 gyms at Billingham Forum, Stockton Splash and Thornaby Pavilion (except between the hours of 4-8pm Mon – Fri).
Free induction to Activ8 gyms. Free swimming during public swimming sessions at Splash, Billingham Forum and Thornaby Pool. Free access to fitness classes at Billingham Forum, Splash and Thornaby Pavilion (except between the hours of 4-8pm Mon – Fri).
Tees Active use our XN leisure management system to track usage and report back to Routes to Work.
Regular meetings with keyworkers to provide them with the information which will allow them to provide their clients with the most appropriate bespoke package.
The Active Minds project was a collaboration between Tees Active and a number of local partner organisations. This includes Tees Active, Activ8 Health & Fitness, Tees Valley Routes to Work, Tees Valley Combined Authority and Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council.
Tees Active
Activ8 Health & Fitness
Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council
Tees Valley Routes To Work
Tees Valley Combined Authority
The scheme is in its early stages therefore it is too early to produce a comprehensive analysis of outcomes and outputs, but all partners are excited that the scheme has the potential to make a difference to many of the borough’s residents.
The Routes to Health and Fitness Scheme is available to help improve confidence, motivation and wellbeing and therefore enhance the lives of residents within Stockton-on-Tees.
So the funder gains maximum return on their financial outlay in purchasing the memberships, if a client fails to engage with the scheme Tees Active will recycle the card to another Routes to Work client this is discussed with Tees Actives Community Engagement manager and keyworkers who meet and speak on a regular basis to ensure clients are getting the best benefits from the scheme.
If you would like more information on the scheme, please contact us.
Find out more about how Tees Active are working with partners to drive positive change in the community.
