GLL supports Carers UK’s Active April with dedicated membership offer
GLL, the charitable social enterprise that operates municipal leisure centres on behalf of 50 local authorities under its Better brand, has partnered with national charity Carers UK, in support of its Active April campaign. The annual campaign was launched in 2022, with the aim of raising awareness of the importance of physical activity for carers and highlight the benefits to carers of moving more.
In support of Active April, GLL has created a month-long membership offer for members of Carers UK and anyone resident in the UK who is in receipt of Carer’s Allowance. The month-long promotion will provide anytime access to a Better leisure facility at the discounted rate of £30 per month.
Research by the charity shows how important being physically active is to carers, with 73% saying that being physically active makes them feel good about themselves and helps them to feel more connected to other people. However, three quarters of unpaid carers (76%) are not able to do as much physical activity as they would like because of the pressures of their caring role. Many want to know how to build this into their busy lives. Only 14% of carers are active, compared to 54% of all adults, and nearly 75% of carers don’t feel able to access local sport and leisure facilities.
Helen Walker, chief executive of Carers UK, which is leading the Active April campaign, said: “Unpaid carers have had an extremely challenging time over recent years, looking after their loved ones through the Covid-19 pandemic and cost-of-living crisis with little time for themselves. Many have seen their physical health impacted by their caring responsibilities. Active April is a great opportunity for carers to get involved in some physical activity that is right for them, that is manageable, helps improve their health, as well as their sense of happiness and connection with others.”
More information here: https://www.carersuk.org/help-and-advice/your-health-and-wellbeing/carers-active-hub/carers-active-april/
Peter Bundey, chief executive of GLL, added: “We are delighted to be supporting Carers UK during Active April and recognise the crucial and often very challenging role that carers play. We already offer a wide range of concessionary memberships and invite carers visiting Better leisure centres in a caring capacity to access our facilities for free. We hope this reduced membership offer will encourage more carers to recognise the importance of looking after their own physical and mental wellbeing and reap the benefits that regular physical activity offers.”