A launch event at the Southend Leisure and Tennis Centre unveiled new activity discounts exclusively for council fostering families, cared for children and care leavers.
Drawing over 70 attendees, the event on Wednesday 31 July, showcased various activities, encouraging sign-ups for the new membership scheme.
The new discount offers Southend-on-Sea City Council fostering families, children in the care of Southend-on-Sea City Council and care leavers, aged 18-25, a 50% reduction on all Pay as You Go activities, including tennis, gym, badminton, and Swim School.
Tina, a foster carer with Southend-on-Sea City Council for over ten years, spearheaded this initiative to promote healthier lifestyles, in conjunction with the Cared for Children's Council. After recovering from a brain tumour diagnosis in 2022, Tina found solace in regular exercise at the council's leisure centres and shared: "Exercise played a crucial role in my recovery, and I want others to experience the same benefits. This new scheme for fostering families and care leavers is a fantastic opportunity."
Catherine Forsyth, sports and community development manager from Fusion, the company managing the council's leisure centres, said: "We're passionate about promoting physical activity. Tina's story moved us, and we were eager to collaborate. The launch was a success, and we look forward to welcoming more fostering families and care leavers."
Councillor Laurie Burton, cabinet member for children, young people, and SEND, attended the event and participated in activities. He said, "It was an honour to be invited and see so many of our foster families and care leavers participating. Tina is truly inspirational, and I cannot thank her enough for her determination to help others benefit as she has from leading a healthier lifestyle. I'd also like to acknowledge our Cared for Children's Council for their hard work with this initiative."
"This discounted membership is a valuable addition to our support for our in-house foster carers, complementing last year's council tax exemption and new allowances for significant events like birthdays and holidays."
For more information about fostering for Southend-on-Sea City Council, visit the Southend-on-Sea City Council Fostering Website.