Stoke-on-trent sport and physical activity strategy 2009-2016

• Increase the number of major sporting and cultural events hosted in thesub region;• Ensure that the sub region’s ambitions for a lasting legacy from the 2012Games are embedded in the BSF programme.Energise Plus scheme57. <strong>Stoke</strong>-on-Trent City Council, along with NHS <strong>Stoke</strong>-on-Trent started a newscheme in October 2008 to give thousands of adults and children discountedaccess to sport and leisure facilities. The Energise Plus programme meansthat all 42,000 children under 16, as well as everyone over 60 in the city areeligible to take part in a range of sports activities at reduced prices.58. The scheme uses a swipe card (costing £5.00) that gives its holder thechance to take part in a host of recreational sports at any council run facility ata cheaper rate. This will also include free swimming and free access tosports halls between 10am and 4pm. In addition to under 16's and over 60's,the following people are also eligible for an Energise Plus card:• People registered with hearing and/or visual impairments;• Job seekers, people on income support and/or incapacity benefit;• Householders on low income;• Carers and foster carers;• Students, people on youth training projects and those enrolled onapprenticeship schemes.59. The scheme is designed to tie in with the NHS <strong>Stoke</strong>-on-Trent's "LifestyleProgramme", a £2million scheme to help 10,000 people in the city with heartdisease, diabetes and obesity. Those who complete the programme will begiven a free Energise Plus card.60. The card supports the NHS <strong>Stoke</strong>-on-Trent objective of encouraging all formsof physical activity such as walking, cycling, dancing, gardening as well asleisure centre based activities as part of the five year plan to double thenumber of people to become more active.61. The stakeholder’s comments received in relation to the Consultation Reportphase of the Strategy gave strong support to the Energise Plus scheme, andthere was a desire from some partners to expand or extend it. In response,opportunities to do so will be considered as part of the scheme’s forthcomingreview to be undertaken by <strong>Stoke</strong>-on-Trent City Council.Nortoft Partnerships Ltd <strong>Stoke</strong>-on-Trent Page | 52Sport & Physical Activity Strategy 2009 – 2016October 2009