Focusing on how we can improve the health and wellbeing of local communities has always been at the core of GLL's mission. Today, more than ever, there is a need to focus on improving the health and wellbeing of the nation, with significant long-term consequences if we fail to deliver.

The fallout of the Covid-19 pandemic on the UK's health has been profound, stretching far beyond those suffering from the disease or long-Covid. Levels of inactivity within the general population have increased, health inequalities have been exacerbated and mental health problems are more pronounced. The strain on traditional NHS and GP services is evident.

Against this backdrop it is heartening to see the UK's leisure and fitness industry increasingly recognised as being part of the solution. We now have numerous pathways that support the NHS, these are delivering astonishing social impact and evidenced outcomes. However, GLL's central belief is that only by tackling the barriers that stop participation in physical activity, will we truly start to improve health and level up inequalities. By doing this successfully we can, not only create healthier communities but busier, more sustainable leisure facilities.

An established track record

As the UK's largest operator of municipal leisure facilities under the ‘Better' brand, GLL has a long-standing track record of working with partners to transform services.

One of our cornerstone health and wellbeing programmes is the Healthwise Healthy Lifestyle Service, which was founded 20 years ago. The scheme delivers a range of leisure centre-based, health interventions ranging from Weight Management and Mental Health services to specialist pathways for those with cardiac, stroke or pulmonary conditions. The primary objective is to reduce physical inactivity and obesity-related illnesses, disability and associated health inequalities, in conjunction with relieving demand for health and social care services through a focus on prevention.

The results are impressive, in Hackney, London, the Healthier Together Hackney service received 5,724 referrals from over 400 health professionals, representing 114 GP surgeries in 2023.

Evidencing our impact

GLL pioneered the use of social value in leisure in 2017, this has been instrumental in helping us to understand, measure and improve our impact.

But it's the difference to the lives of individuals really brings the statistics to life. Vinod Mistry, who is 62 years-old and lives in Barnet, North London, was referred to his local Healthwise team in 2016 following a diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes. Vinod embraced a programme of tailored health interventions and physical activities at his local Barnet Copthall Leisure Centre; his fitness improved and his weight dropped, his blood sugar levels also fell.

Mistry commented: ‘The exercise classes run by Barnet's Healthwise team were motivational and enjoyable, my fitness levels improved considerably, and this inspired me to continue. Now I am fitter and confident enough to participate in challenging activities and I feel more in control of my medical conditions.'

An inspirational individual, in 2022 Vinod climbed Mount Kilimanjaro something that would have never been possible prior to him embarking on the Healthwise programme.

GLL is also at the forefront of the move to co-locate NHS health services within easily accessible, community locations. One such example is in Cumbria, with Morecambe Bay's Integrated Musculoskeletal (iMSK) Service moving its Kendal base from Westmoreland General Hospital to Kendal Leisure Centre.

Launched in February 2022 the co-location is part of the Local Government Association's One Public Estate (OPE) initiative that encourages public sector bodies to collaborate around their public service delivery strategies – in this case bringing health and leisure closer together on one site.

Jonathan Ashton, consultant physiotherapist and lead for the iMSK Service said: ‘Our move to Kendal Leisure Centre means that holistic care will be embedded in our community, integrating clinical services with healthy lifestyle and wellbeing teams.

‘Locating the iMSK health care service in the leisure centre provides an immediate awareness of options for a healthy lifestyle and the iMSK team will continue to support rehabilitation that enables people to avoid some surgical interventions.'

Recognising the value of collaboration

GLL is a charitable social enterprise and it is therefore unsurprising that with many shared values we have grasped the opportunity to collaborate with several national charities, in order to support the work that they do towards improving the health and wellbeing of the nation.

One example is a pilot programme currently being run in association with the British Red Cross's mobility aid service. It is using GLL's leisure centres, as a base from which to provide local residents with short-term mobility aids such as wheelchairs and crutches, in an easy and accessible way.

Cat Raynor, Innovation Officer at the British Red Cross Mobility Aids Service commented: ‘Our partnership with GLL means that people living locally won't have to travel far to access essential mobility aids.

‘These short-term aids play a critical role in people's mental and physical health during times of injury or illness so it is vital that they can be easily accessed.'

Further national partnerships with charities include Diabetes UK and young people's mental health charity The Mix. This year GLL is supporting participants of two Diabetes UK fundraising initiatives Swim22 and the One Million Step Challenge by offering expert guidance and advice, alongside discounted leisure centre memberships to encourage those taking part to embed regular exercise into their lifestyles for the long term.

James Beeby, Director of Engagement and Fundraising at Diabetes UK, said: ‘Across the UK, Better leisure centres support their members to improve their physical and mental health and it is this shared aim that makes this collaboration so fitting.'

Figures from Diabetes UK show that 4.3million people are now living with a diagnosis of diabetes in the UK.

Improving accessibility

Tackling health inequalities is one of GLL's core values and we were one of the first leisure operators to introduce discounted accessible memberships. Launched in 2010 the Better Inclusive UK membership gives adults and children who are registered as disabled, access to our leisure centres, gyms, swimming pools and classes at a significantly reduced price. With the levels of disability among the UK population rising by 5% since 2011-12 it's more important than ever that barriers to access are minimised.

While the focus for leisure operators was once on fitness, the benefits of a more holistic approach towards health and wellbeing are obvious. As one of the innovators in this space, with a proven track record of increasing engagement amongst hard-to-reach groups, we are looking to build on what has already been achieved and develop more partnerships with like-minded organisations. Our approach is multi-faceted; to understand need, increase participation, develop new pathways, support collaboration and ultimately create healthier, happier communities.

Joseph Rham is Customer and Communities Director at GLL

This article is sponsored content for The MJ