Released: 19.03.09

Councillor Brian Vincent Lord Mayor of Plymouth in front of picture and joined by representatives from UCP Marjon, Brickfields, Parkway Leisure, IFI, Staff from Plymouth Pathways, A4e Plymouth Works Plus, Pathways customers, Apex Core Training.

The Mayor & Lady Mayoress of Plymouth recently helped launch a new city initiative at Brickfields to support people on incapacity benefit at becoming more physically active, and increasing their chances of gaining employment opportunities. A4e and The Inclusive Fitness Initiative (IFI) are leading this unique city partnership through our Pathways to Work provision.

A4e and the IFI are rolling out the programme across the rest of Devon and Cornwall to provide ongoing support to people receiving incapacity benefit, recognising that in order to gain and stay in employment people must be healthy, with physical activity sitting at the centre of this, said Kevin Kelway of A4e.

Over 30 individual leisure facilities around the West Country have now committed to the programme. Hannah Willatt, Disability Sports Coordinator, UPC Marjon, said:

“UCP Marjon is committed to being a centre of excellence for sport; this includes the desire to make sport and exercise accessible to people with disabilities in Plymouth.  We are delighted to be working in partnership with A4e to help achieve this goal.”

Manager of Parkwood Leisure, Alex Fuoco-Lang, said: “We are delighted to be part of this South West partnership, and looking forward in helping people enhance their confidence, fitness and energy levels to be better prepared for work

Emma Harrison, Chairman of A4e, added:

"I am very proud that Plymouth and the South West of England are leading the way in developing our partnership with the (IFI) and encouraging disabled clients' to look at careers in the leisure industry. But also, in recognising that to stay fit and healthy-physical activity is very important too".

"Fantastic news that over 30 leisure facilities across the West Country have signed up with the (IFI) with many more looking to be accredited to the programme! Our (ESF) A4e Plymouth Works Plus and Pathways programmes will provide the necessary on-going support to our customers looking to improve their fitness & health, and for people looking at careers in the leisure and hospitality sectors".

Sue Catton, National Director of IFI added:

“The potential knock on impact of physical activity is so much wider than simply getting fitter, with this programme being a prime example of this.  Getting fit and staying fit are fundamental to a healthy workforce, especially in an age where the employees are increasingly sedentary.  It is critical that we all make time to be active, and realise the profound benefits this can create.”

This partnership comes at a time when the Government is investing heavily in persuading people to ‘eat well, do more and live longer’ through the Department of Health’s Change 4 Life Campaign, similarly, this programme crosses Government agendas and bridges the gap between two issues that should in fact be inextricably linked.