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27 Jan 00

MORE FREE SWIMMING FOR PENSIONERS

Free swimming for Poole's pensioners has been extended due to the success of a scheme to promote healthy living.

Since it's launch in October, over 70 people regularly enjoy a free swim every Thursday between 9.00am and 10.00am at Kemp Welch Leisure Centre, Alderney, Poole.

Due to their popularity, an extra session will now also be available every Monday morning between 10.00am and 11.00am from 7 February for Poole residents aged 60 and above.

Stan Jones from Broadstone, said: "My wife and I have been visiting the Centre regularly but couldn't always get in. It's great to get a regular slot now that we have our own sessions".

Sponsored by the Borough of Poole and Dorset Health Authority, the sessions are one of Alderney ward's Public Health Action Area initiatives which aim to tackle the underlying causes of ill health and encourage people in the area to live healthier lives.

Janette Rich, Principal Officer, Adult Social Services, said: "This scheme is doing wonders encouraging people who perhaps haven't taken much exercise before to try it. Once people realise that exercise can be relaxing and fun they are much more likely to enjoy it and take part on a regular basis".

-ends-

Editor's Notes:
Six Public Health Action Areas have been established in Dorset by the Health Authority and Local Authorities to help statutory agencies, voluntary agencies and local residents tackle the underlying causes of ill health. Together they will work on a plan to improve services which affect health and report back to the local community, the Council and the Health Authority on their progress. The Action Areas are:

Poole Alderney
Tackling Isolation and Dependency in Older People
Bournemouth - Boscombe
West Howe
Christchurch - Grange Ward
Weymouth - The Park District

For more information contact: Janette Rich, Principal Officer, Adult Social Services (Provider), tel: (01202) 261029