Fusion Lifestyle and Bedford Borough Council have launched a series of initiatives to help care leavers, young carers and youngsters with disabilities or additional needs

Fusion Lifestyle and Bedford Borough Council have launched a series of initiatives to help care leavers, young carers and youngsters with disabilities or additional needs.

Care leavers memberships have been created, offering Bedford Borough care leavers free gym and swim memberships at both John Bunyan Sports & Fitness and Robinson Pools. Those leaving care can find out if they are eligible by contacting Bedford Borough Council's 16 Plus Supporting Futures Team.

The soft play space at John Bunyan Sports & Fitness is being put to good use too, hosting both respite sessions for young carers and SEND soft play sessions.

The monthly respite sessions for young carers are funded by a local Young Carers charity called Carers in Bedfordshire. The 90-minute sessions provide respite for young children who spend much of their time outside of school caring for parents or siblings who suffer from mental, health or physical disabilities. During the sessions the young carers have exclusive use of the soft play space to play and the café to talk and share experiences. Charity staff are on hand to supervise and provide the children with a sounding board to discuss any issues they have.

Weekly SEND soft play sessions also make use of the space. The term time only sessions run from 5.30pm - 6.30pm and are open to children aged 12 and under who have disabilities or additional needs. Children can let off some steam and have fun while parents and carers mingle, chat and support each other. A hoist is available if needed for any attendees and siblings are welcome to join the sessions too.

To further support the community representatives from Bedford Borough Parent Carers Forum, SENDIASS, The Local Offer and other organisations are attending to provide help and advice. The weekly session are charged at a discounted rate of £2.50 thanks to funding from Bedford Borough Council.

Aaron Colbert, Sports and Community Development Manager for Fusion Lifestyle in Bedford commented "We know how important it is for care leavers, young carers and children with additional needs to be supported. We have been working hard alongside Bedford Borough Council and charity partners to create these offers and give people the chance to stay active and come to share their experiences and find support."

Councillor Doug McMurdo, Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Culture at Bedford Borough Council said "We are really proud to help provide these opportunities for care leavers, young carers and children with additional needs. We believe in providing leisure services that support the whole community and we think these opportunities provide an invaluable provision."

To find out more about the sessions contact aaron.colbert@fusion-lifestyle.com.