Agenda item

Stuart Rogers, from BMBC, and Paul Cummins from Yorkshire Sport Foundation were welcomed to the meeting.

Active Dearne had been over two years in the planning but had resulted in Barnsley, Doncaster and Rotherham local authorities working together across the Dearne.  An application to Sport England had been successful and provided funding to target adults on low incomes, or unemployed, who were not active.  In year one, the project would be operational in four areas of the Dearne, which included Goldthorpe and Thurnscoe.

Community Champions were currently being recruited, and it was felt important to engage someone who would know the local area well and had or could develop relationships with local residents.  The role would include establishing groups, and reducing any barriers, to encourage local people to get back to physical activity.

Members noted that the project will also commission services, working with such as community groups, sports clubs to target areas of little physical activity.

In addition the project is set to work with businesses and employers in the Dearne area.  It was acknowledged that many residents also worked in the area.  The focus would be on ages 25-50, but anyone from 16 to over 75 could engage.

Members discussed how Barnsley Premier Leisure could be engaged, and it was noted that meetings had been planned to take place over the next few weeks to consider this.

Members noted that the delivery in years 2 and 3 of the project had yet to be confirmed, but a decision on this was expected in May.

RESOLVED that officers be thanked for their attendance and the feedback be noted.