Meridian Leisure Centre, Louth, receives national accreditation

This page is part of the news archive and for reference only

The Inclusive Fitness Initiative (IFI) is a national programme that recognises leisure centres that go that extra mile to ensure as many people as possible are able to use the facilities.

The Meridian Leisure Centre has entered the IFI programme at ‘Registered’ level, which means the Centre holds the highest IFI accreditation of any run by the District Council. The District Council’s Swimming Pools and Fitness Suites in Horncastle and Skegness also hold an IFI accreditation.

IFI focuses specifically on how Leisure Centres market themselves and encourage people to take part in physical activities. It also looks at how customers with disabilities are catered for. As part of the accreditation, staff at the Leisure Centre have completed ‘Disability Equality Training’, to help them better understand the needs of customers with disabilities both in terms of how they use equipment and the layout of the fitness suite equipment and signage.

Students from the Linkage Community Trust, which provides education, care and employment for people with learning difficulties, unveiled the accreditation in the main reception at the Meridian Leisure Centre on Tuesday, July 29, 2010.

"Naj Modak, Linkage’s Media Relations and Communications Manager said: "The Inclusive Fitness Initiative is a positive step to enable people with disabilities to access the same facilities as others and to be a real part of the community. Linkage is proud of its support in providing specialist education and support towards paid employment and independent living; and this program provides strength in enabling these individuals to access these facilities, be inclusive and promote their health and wellbeing.’"

Portfolio Holder for Leisure at the District Council, Councillor Adam Grist, said: "It is important that we ensure our leisure facilities are up there with the best in the country and that they provide facilities that everyone can access. By doing this we hope we can encourage more people in our District to take part in sports and leisure activities and ultimately improve their health. We must work hard to continually improve the programme we have on offer at all our leisure centres and ensure our staff have access to be best training opportunities so they can continue to give customers the best advice available."

Since opening in February 1565 people have already joined the Meridian Leisure Centre in Louth. The Meridian Leisure Centre boasts a 25m eight lane swimming pool with floating floor and children’s pool, sauna and steam room, 80 station fitness suite, sports hall, dance studios, multi purpose rooms, crèche and café.

Membership, which includes access to all the facilities at the Leisure Centre, with the exception of the crèche, for free, including classes, is available for £32.50 per month.

For details of memberships at the Meridian Leisure Centre, please contact the team on 01507 604738 or visit www.e-lindsey.gov.uk