Council to support launch of Golden Pass pilot scheme
The Vale of Glamorgan Council will be working in partnership with Cardiff & Vale University Health Board, Sport Wales and other third sector organisations to deliver The Golden Pass activity scheme.
The scheme aims to provide physical activity and sporting opportunities for Barry residents who are aged 60 plus. 400 passes will be distributed to selected residents, which will give them access to eight free sessions. There will be 20 different activities on offer, ranging from archery to Zumba.
There are hopes that the scheme will help older people to re-engage with the community and inspire them to live healthier lives, as well as improve confidence.
A select number of residents can access Golden Passes via project referral partners, including Action for Elders, Age Connects, The National Exercise Referral Scheme, Newydd Housing, Race Equality First, Vale Homes and Wales & West Housing. Each partner will have a select number of passes to distribute.
The remaining passes will be available via self-referral in the Barry area. Residents can pick up a pass in local shops, supermarkets and other settings. All passes will be available on a first come first serve basis.
Cabinet Member for Leisure, Arts and Culture, Cllr Kathryn McCaffer said: “We are delighted to be working with a range of partners on this project to support residents who are currently inactive to take up a new activity, hopefully inspiring them to longer term participation.
“This project will allow us to focus on improving participation rates amongst identified groups in our community, which is also a focus for our Public Health and Sport Wales partners who are funding this project.
“In addition to the physical health benefits gained from participating in the activity, we hope that involvement in the project will also bring social benefits, helping the participants to meet new people and increase their opportunities to socialise."
Elliot Pottinger, project lead for the Golden Pass said: “Being physically active can always help people lead happier and healthier lives. The Golden Pass has been designed to help people aged 60+ find an activity they love.
“Having eight free sessions is a unique opportunity to help build a positive habit with being physically active and we can’t wait to see people accessing high quality provision in the Barry area.”
The scheme will run from Monday 13 September until March 2022. The Council hopes to expand the scheme in future.
For more information, please contact Elliot Pottinger, Healthy Living Officer (Adults): epottinger@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk