Teenager praises leisure facilities

A Telford teenager says council-run leisure facilities have helped to save his life.

Kyle, who is 19 and who has cerebral palsy, has said that becoming a member of his local council gym helped to change his life.

“Everyone should have the same opportunities to keep themselves fit and healthy and it’s great to see that the council have invested in this new specialist equipment at Stirchley, making it accessible to more people. I’d actually say since I joined the gym it has saved my life and I would recommend it to anyone regardless of your current ability.

“My main focus was always about getting stronger, but my mental health has improved, and it’s given me a focus. I can see how far I have come, and I really feel like I am part of something.”

The new kit was added to Stirchley Gym following a refurbishment earlier this spring as part of the council’s wider commitment for leisure services to help make the borough cleaner, greener, safer and more enjoyable.

Councillor Carolyn Healy,, cabinet member for climate action, green spaces, heritage and leisure said: “The effects that our local leisure facilities have on residents’ lives, both in terms of their physical and mental health, should not be underestimated. Since we refurbished Stirchley Gym earlier this year we have seen the number of people who have taken out memberships at the site increase considerably, so we know more residents are investing in their health and wellbeing because of the new equipment and improved gym layout."

Last year new adaptable fitness equipment was also added to both Abraham Darby Sports and Leisure Centre and Wellington Civic and Leisure Centre as a part of their refurbishment programmes.