From free swims to wealth of fitness classes - Hartlepool council team in running for national award

A council initiative that aims to get more local people active has been shortlisted for a national award.
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Hartlepool Borough Council’s leisure, recreation and participation team, under the brand of Get Hartlepool Active, is one of eight finalists in the Healthy Communities Award category of the ukactive Awards.

The council’s entry centres on its work to break down barriers to participation in physical activity.

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Team members deliver a range of initiatives with a particular reaching people likely to be least active across the town.

Free swimming for children under 16 are one of a number of initiatives run by the council's sport and recreation team under the Get Active Hartlepool banner.Free swimming for children under 16 are one of a number of initiatives run by the council's sport and recreation team under the Get Active Hartlepool banner.
Free swimming for children under 16 are one of a number of initiatives run by the council's sport and recreation team under the Get Active Hartlepool banner.

They include Get Fit For Free access to six fitness classes a week, walking netball and football sessions, and Free Swims for under 16s.

Its Looked After Children Scheme also aims to help those in care access fitness facilities and extends to care leavers until they are 18.

Ian Gardiner, the council’s head of leisure, recreation and participation, said: “It is great news that the team has been recognised and shortlisted for such a prestigious national award and it is testimony to the dedication and commitment of staff at all levels.

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“The council is committed to promoting healthy lifestyles and encouraging and supporting people to become more active is key to that."

The council’s award submission also covered how it markets and measures the effectiveness of the initiatives and how evaluation is used to develop them further.

After being shortlisted on the basis of a written submission, team representatives gave a virtual presentation to a judging panel on Thursday.

The winners of the ukactive Awards will be announced at a forthcoming ceremony.

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