Stroud District Council's Regeneration Through Sport team has won a top national award for its work in promoting physical activity to improve the health of the local community.
The Institute of Leisure and Amenity Management made the Active, Health and Physical Activity Recognition Programme Award after carrying out an in-depth assessment of the Council's sport and health development service. The team was only set up in 2003 and since then has worked with other bodies, such as the Cotswold and Vale Primary Care Trust, on initiatives such as the new Healthy Workplace and Exercise Referral Schemes.
The Award recognises good practice and focuses on planning, working with partners and, of course, project delivery. The judges, from Quality Leisure Management Ltd, normally award marks in the A-E range for each category. "For a small rural council, Stroud did extremely well," said Director Paul Cluett. "Most of the marks were As and Bs. We were very impressed that the council is so forward thinking and proactive."
Having gained the Award, the Council's team will now be reassessed every 2 years. To hold on to the Award, the team will have to show continuous improvement. An improvement plan is already in place to further improve local health and physical activity development. The cost to customers of the Exercise Referral Scheme is likely to be halved, while the Healthy Workplace Scheme will be taken out to the business community.
"Our team thoroughly deserves this award," said Cllr Elisabeth Bird, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing. "Healthy living is one of our five priorities as a council. This is official recognition of the good work we are doing, but we have every intention of doing more."
Contact:Jane Bullows Regeneration Through Sport Manager 01453 754322 or e-mail jane.bullows@stroud.gov.uk
Stroud District Council, Ebley Mill, Stroud, GL5 4UB England +44 (0) 1453 766321
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