Healthy living centre offers something for everyone
Released 13th June 2007
Wolverhampton’s first ever healthy living centre offering activities for people aged five to 85 has opened today. The centre in Pool Street, Graiseley, provides healthy activities for the whole community.
Healthy living centres are designed to appeal to a wide range of people whether they be children, teenagers, adults or pensioners. Graiseley will host a wide variety of activities including aerobics, yoga and martial arts. There is also a range of exercise and fitness equipment such as treadmills, cycles, rowers and toning tables.
A gym has been installed kitted out with miniature equipment especially for use by children from neighbouring Graiseley Primary School. Other sessions for youngsters will be a regular fixture at the centre such as the Movin n Groovin club where children can have fun, make friends and enjoy exercise.
Also on offer will be sessions on falls prevention, food health, walking for health, weight management and pulmonary and cardio rehabilitation programmes.
Graiseley Healthy Living Centre is in the building that was formerly Graiseley Recreation Centre. Funding from the city council and the All Saints and Blakenhall Community Development (ABCD) regeneration scheme have been used to change the venue into a healthy living centre.
An opening ceremony took place today where dignitaries and community groups were shown how the centre forms an important part of the health improvement agenda for the city. This is a masterplan document supported by the city council, primary care trust, NHS and other partners to get Wulfrunians fit and healthy.
Councillor John Reynolds, Wolverhampton City Council cabinet member for leisure and culture, carried out the opening. Community groups and members of the public were able to see the facilities the centre has to offer as well as sample healthy food supplied by the local Waitrose and Aldi supermarkets.
Councillor Reynolds said: “Graiseley Community Healthy Living Centre aims to change the stereotype of being just a gym or just a recreation centre. This venue offers something for everyone and combines innovative ways to improve health and well being within a community setting.
“This is much more than just a rebranding exercise, considerable time and investment has gone into making it easier for Wolverhampton people to make healthier lifestyle choices.”
Tim Clegg, executive director of All Saints and Blakenhall Community Development (ABCD), said: “This healthy living centre, together with the improvements we are making to local parks and the Walking to Health scheme, will bring local people together to enjoy healthy activities and friendship. This is another terrific project where ABCD have worked with the city council to benefit the community.”
Issued by the press office.