April 26, 2022

Beat the Street launches in Wirral

Beat the Street comes to Wirral on Wednesday 27th April!

Parts of Wirral are to be transformed into a huge adventure in which residents of all ages can take part.

Starting Wednesday 27th April until Wednesday 25th May, residents are asked to ‘Beat the Street’ by walking, cycling, running, scooting or skating as far as they can over the four-week period, clocking up points as they go by checking in at special ‘Beat Boxes’ placed around the areas.

The game takes place across the wards of Moreton East & Leasowe and Seacombe and can be played by individuals or teams. 

To take part, people need first to get hold of the ‘Beat the Street’ card. Under 11s, who are at participating schools, will be given these directly from their primary school, older people will need to collect theirs from one of the local distribution points – Moreton Library, Leasowe Leisure Centre, Guinea Gap Leisure Centre and Seacombe Children’s Centre.

Players then need to create an account online, connect their card to their player profile and they’re ready to start.

A map, available online or from the distribution points, shows players where each ‘Beat Box’ is situated and will help people plot their route and get going.

Once a player has located a Beat Box, they need to use their card like a contactless payment card, hovering it close to the box until the box beeps and flashes. You need to visit at least two different Beat Boxes within an hour to score points – 10 points for each box – then 10 points for each subsequent box visited within the next hour.

 

Andy McCartan, Assistant Director of Leisure, Libraries and Customer Engagement at Wirral Council, said: “This is a really innovative way of encouraging local people of all ages to get out and about, being active, using environmentally friendly ways of travelling – but most of all having fun.

“Beat the Street can bring out the competitive nature in us all, as we try to top the local leaderboard, score more points than our friends, or simply challenges ourselves as individuals.”

Points are logged in online accounts and contribute towards the production of local leaderboards where players and teams can compare their scores with others.

Beat the Streets is an initiative running in a number of locations across the country. Beat the Street Moreton East, Leasowe and Seacombe is being delivered locally by Wirral Council Leisure Services, managed by Intelligent Health and funded by the Government’s ‘Welcome Back Fund’.

The project contributes to the council’s ambition to encourage residents to incorporate activity into their daily lives – the main aim of the borough’s Sport and Physical Activity Strategy – as well as helping to form part of the Climate Emergency response.

Further information, including advice on how players can take part in the competition safely, can be here

April 26, 2022

Wirral Walking Festival 2022

The Wirral Walking Festival is back!

The Wirral Walking Festival highlights the variety of walks that take place in Wirral during Spring/Summer each year. The Wirral Walking Festival includes short strolls, long-distance treks, nordic walking, mixed ability running, and much more!

Click here to download the Wirral Walking Festival 2022 brochure

Walking has never been so important in people's lives. Following on from the pandemic we have seen more people getting out locally to help them stay fit and healthy and very much to help with people's mental health.Walking is accessible to all and is free so why not get walking, it's an excellent way to meet new people, make friends and enjoy all the wonderful places the Wirral has to offer. We have many different groups across the borough which cater for everyone and I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those volunteers out there who help make this happen. You change people's lives so thank you.
Fiona Hanik
Wirral Walking Coordinator

*To avoid disappointment, we recommend checking the relevant group’s website and social media to confirm that walks are taking place before setting off.

March 25, 2022

Campaign to encourage more people in Wirral to be physically active

‘Be Part of the Movement’ is a new campaign to encourage Wirral residents to make sport and physical activity part of their everyday life.

Funded by the Government’s Welcome Back Fund it will showcase the borough’s facilities and open spaces as safe places to improve health and wellbeing especially as communities continue their recovery from the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The campaign is part of Wirral Council’s new Sport and Physical Activity Strategy approved by the authority’s Tourism, Communities, Culture and Leisure Committee in January.

The strategy lays out the council’s ambition to ensure that all Wirral residents have the opportunity, environment and support they need to lead active, healthy, and happier lives, and recognises the important role sport and physical activity plays in improving physical and mental health, supporting the economy, reconnecting communities, and rebuilding a stronger society for all. More than 1,000 people and organisations contributed to the development of the strategy.

The vision for the strategy is to now make sport and physical activity part of everyone’s everyday life and is based on four key themes:

  • Active People – To provide opportunities for all Wirral residents to be more active
  • Active Partnerships – To build partnerships and collaborations that provide inclusive activities for all
  • Active Places and Spaces – To ensure a network of high quality and accessible spaces that make it easier for people to be active.
  • Active Facilities – To create accessible, affordable, environmentally sustainable facilities offering a quality opportunity and environment that encourages Wirral residents to be more active, more often

Cllr Helen Cameron, chair of the Tourism, Communities, Culture & Leisure Committee, said: “It is incredibly important to keep active whatever your circumstances and this a great way to help to stay healthy for longer.

“There are lots of ways you can be part of the movement with Active Wirral. Whether you are someone who is already active or you want to find out how to start moving in ways that work for you, there will be something for everyone.”

The campaign’s mini website, ActiveWirral.com is where individuals, organisations and community-led groups – Motivators – will be able to access a toolkit to support their participation and Be Part of the Movement.

It also includes information on the new Sport and Physical Activity Strategy for people to learn more about our vision for the next five years, as well as a news feed plus ways to get involved here Get Active – Active Wirral.

The campaign will highlight how people can find out more about getting healthy and active.

March 24, 2022

Leisure facilities update – March 2022

At full Council on 28 February, the following leisure facility changes were agreed and will come into effect on 1st April 2022:

Golf course closures

The full and permanent annual budget to operate Brackenwood and Hoylake Golf Courses will be removed from this date. This will also mean that the service will no longer have the budget for the maintenance of the courses. .

The sites will remain closed until the outcome of the current consultation is considered by the relevant committee in the new municipal year.

Preparation for Golf’s Open Championship 2023 will be dealt with separately through the established working group in reference to Hoylake Golf Course. .

Woodchurch Leisure Centre

The  budget to operate Woodchurch Leisure Centre will be removed from this date.  Therefore, the site will remain closed until the outcome of the current consultation is considered by the relevant committee in the new municipal year.

The initial proposal for demolition of the site will not be progressed whilst the community asset transfer process is underway, and any expressions of interest submitted and considered.

Europa Pools fun /leisure pool

The budget to operate the fun/ leisure pool at Europa Pools will be removed from this date. Therefore, the leisure pool will remain closed until the outcome of the current consultation is considered by the relevant committee in the new municipal year.

Wirral Tennis and Sports Centre

The budget to operate the centre will be temporarily removed from this date. Therefore the site will remain closed until the outcome of the current consultation is considered by the relevant committee in the new municipal year.

The Council is planning to redesign the facility that will be able to cater for new, emerging sports and  the introduction of a broader range of activities for young people designed around getting active. We will also be looking to provide activities  that are in demand, such as gymnastics, an improved fitness suite offer and the addition of a second artificial grass football pitch. Indoor Tennis, Sports Hall outdoor football and outdoor tennis will still be available at the centre following its redevelopment.

 

Those sites and buildings that will be considered as surplus to the delivery of Council services following budget setting decisions and outcome of consultations, with the potential for community operation, would be selected for possible transfer to community groups.

A report was presented to the Policy and Resources Committee on 15 March which outlines  the process for community groups wishing to express an interest in taking on Council assets.

Further details will follow – More information can be found here

October 15, 2021

Membership Reinstatement Frequently asked questions

After closing our doors at the beginning of the Covid 19 pandemic on 20th March 2020 we have carefully re-opened our leisure centres as and when we have been able to in line with the Public Health and HM Government guidelines. We have now opened a wide range of our facilities and activities and they are available for customers to access and enjoy.

Why is my membership being reinstated?

Wirral Leisure automatically suspended all Invigor8 memberships on 20th March 2020 and all up-front cash subscriptions were credited for the months that we were closed. Many Invigor8 Members have returned to our facilities throughout 2021 and we are now able to offer access to a ide variety of our facilities and activities across 11 sites to our suspended members.

What facilities and activities are available?

Full details regarding specific facilities and booking guidelines can be found here.

Swimming pools, gyms, exercise classes, tennis courts, sportshalls and football pitches are available at Wirral Tennis Centre, West Kirby Concourse, Guinea Gap, Europa Pools Leisure Centre. These centres are open and accessible to walk in.

The Swimming pools, gyms, exercise classes and football pitches at Oval and Leasowe Leisure Centres are operating a strict pre-book and pay procedure prior to arrival.

Bookings can be made online or by telephone 0151 606 2010.

When can I start booking and accessing facilities with my reinstated membership?

All suspended Invigor8 membership accounts (suspended since 20th March 2020) will be reinstated from 20th October 2021 in line with membership agreements.

Reinstated members will be able to access their accounts and make activity and facility bookings from Wednesday 20th October. 

How do I make a booking?

Bookings can be made online or by telephone on 0151 606 2010.

It is essential that you prebook for all activities at Oval Leisure Centre and Leasowe Leisure Centres.

Exercise classes, Pitches and Courts need to be prebooked at all centres.

When will my next direct debit be taken from my bank?

Direct debit payments will be collected on 1st or 20th November depending on your original direct debit agreed date.  

If you are unsure of your original date please call us on 0151 606 2010.

How do I know if I have a membership or not?

If you had a membership active before March 20th and you have not contacted us or your bank to cancel, you will still have a membership on your account which will be reinstated on 20th October.

You will also have received a letter from us in early October, posted to the address that was registered on our system.

If you paid by direct debit, your direct debit will commence on the agreed date, if this was a cash membership paid in full upfront, the remaining months or days will be added to your account.  

If you cancelled your membership with us during lockdown or cancelled with your bank, you will not have a membership restarting on the 20th October. If you would like to set up a membership again, you can buy a membership online or by contacting our central team on 0151 606 2010.

Can I suspend my account again?

As per Invigor8 terms and conditions, Invigor8 memberships can be suspended for a period of up to 3 months on medical grounds.

Suspension requests can be made by email to bookingsandinformation@wirral.gov.uk and must include your name, account details, suspension request reason and evidence of the medical situation.

If you cannot suspend your membership and would like to cancel, please follow the instructions in the How do I cancel my membership section below.

How do I cancel my membership?

As per Invigor8 terms and conditions, Invigor8 membership cancellation requests must be made in writing 10 working days prior to the direct debit due date. 

Cancellations can be sent by email to: bookingsandinformation@wirral.gov.uk 

or by post to:

Invigor8 Central Leisure Team,

c/o West Kirby Concourse,

Grange Road,

West Kirby,

Wirral

CH48 4HX .

Why was my account suspended whilst others were offered access?

Since we began reopening our facilities in June 2020, members have had the option to request to unsuspend accounts individually in order to gain access to leisure centres.

We have reopened leisure centres and facilities in phases and, for a period of time, limited facilities were offered with restrictions in place. During this time members were continuously suspended.

We have now opened the majority of our facilities and activities with minimal restrictions and are therefore now able to reinstate all memberships from 20th October 2021 in line with original membership agreements.

Do I need a new membership agreement?

No, your original membership agreement is valid as long as your direct debit has never been cancelled at the bank.

Where can I find the original terms and conditions?

Membership Terms and Conditions can be found here: Invigor8 Membership Terms and Conditions   (PDF 152kb)

How do I manage my account?

We now have a booking and payment system, Leisure Hub, which provides all customers with the opportunity to manage their accounts online including bookings, payments, memberships, subscriptions and cancellations.

Detailed information and a step-by-step registration guide can be found on our website here.

Need more help?

If you have any further questions regarding your membership or direct debit don’t hesitate to contact our central Leisure Team on 0151 606 2010 or email bookingsandinformation@wirral.gov.uk  

Telephone lines are open Mon – Thurs 9am – 7pm, Fri 9am – 5pm , Sat – Sun 9am – 3pm.

October 13, 2021

FREE TENNIS SESSIONS

Sports charity serves up free tennis in Wirral as part of a national programme to improve physical and mental wellbeing across Britain

 

National sports charity ‘Tennis For Free’, with the support of the LTA, is serving up an ace for the local community, with the launch of free coach-led tennis sessions across Wirral, starting Saturday 2 October.

In an exciting partnership with the LTA and the local council, Tennis For Free will provide free sessions for families all year-round at New Ferry Park, Marine Park and Birkenhead Park. The simple aims are to get more people playing tennis and improve the physical and mental well-being of members of the local community.

Tennis For Free CEO Paul Jessop said: “Together with the LTA, we are helping to make tennis more accessible to more people by removing the cost barrier that some sections of the community face, so that the entire community can play and benefit physically, mentally and socially.

“We have created specially designed programmes to welcome families, the old and the young, of any ability and the beauty, is that each session is led by qualified tennis coaches who will ensure people develop at their own pace.”

Arron Woodward, who will lead the coaching at New Ferry Park said: “I am very excited to welcome Tennis For Free to New Ferry Park. It is a fantastic opportunity for the local community to try tennis for either the first time, or to dust off the cobwebs after a time away from the sport.  It’s a fun, friendly and entertaining free weekly event where you’ll make new friends and benefit from regular exercise.  There is no catch, as the name suggests, everything is free.”

Stuart Maidment, LTA Parks Tennis Manager, said: “We are proud to partner with Tennis for Free and very excited about the launch of weekly tennis coaching sessions at New Ferry Park, Marine Park and Birkenhead Park. Our Vision is to open tennis up to many more people regardless of their age, gender, background, ability or disability and our partnership with TFF is helping to do this.

“Having high-quality, easy to access park facilities where you can play informally with your family and friends is really important to encourage new people to pick up a racket and play, and a key area of focus and investment for the LTA”

All you need to do is visit the Tennis For Free website here and search for the session you would like to join.

You can also follow Tennis For Free on Twitter and Facebook @tennisforfree

September 6, 2021

Customer Notice – Covid-19 Operational Guidelines Update

A number of our operating processes have now resumed from Monday 20th September, including customer access to buildings and an increase in session capacity, in most of our leisure centres. 

Customers can now directly access West Kirby Concourse, Europa Pools, Guinea Gap Leisure Centre and Wirral Tennis Centre. Capacity will increase significantly in the gym, swimming and class sessions meaning that more customers will be able to access these sessions.  

It is no longer essential to pre-book and pay for Swimming and Gym sessions prior to arrival at West Kirby, Europa, Guinea Gap or Wirral Tennis Centre, however, customers are advised that pre-booking and paying for activities online will guarantee access to the activities of their choice. 

Exercise class capacity will also be increased where possible at these sites, for both indoor and outdoor sessions. It is essential that all Exercise Classes are pre-booked and paid online, at centres or by telephone prior to the session start time.

Invigor8 Memberships can be reinstated by telephoning the central leisure team on 0151 606 2010 or email or bookingsandinformation@wirral.gov.uk  

As part of the expansion of services, we will still be retaining extensive high visibility COVID-19 safety advisory notices within our centres including advising customers to wear masks in public spaces and to give others space and time to finish their activity.   

Fitness facilities at Leasowe and Oval Leisure Centres will continue to operate within the current operating procedures and all activities at these centres must continue to pre-book and pay prior to arrival at the centre. 

Woodchurch Leisure Centre will remain as a dedicated vaccination site and the Sports Hall at the Oval Leisure Centre is also continuing to be used for vaccinations.

Further information regarding the reopening of Sports halls, squash courts and cafes will follow soon. 

The provision of services will be monitored against all local COVID-19 data, and kept under review on a six-weekly cycle. Sustainability of services has been at the forefront of the authority’s approach to re-mobilisation although business continuity may still be affected due to COVID-19; in the event of localised outbreaks at sites, or staff shortages, operations at sites may have to be suspended.

January 13, 2021

Les Mills

LES MILLS ON DEMAND WIRRAL LEISURE OFFER 

As we enter 2021, we are once again delighted to be able to offer all our customers the opportunity to receive 60 Day Free Access to Les Mills on Demand*.

TRY LES MILLS ON DEMAND FREE TODAY

Although the current national lockdown means that our facilities are closed and we cannot offer Les Mills into our leisure centres just yet, we are able to offer all our customers the opportunity to keep fit and healthy online with Les Mills On Demand, the perfect way to complement our own Invigor8 Live Fitness Classes!

After FREE access for 60 days, Wirral Leisure customers will then be able to subscribe to the platform at the reduced prices of just £7.94 per month, a 30% discount (usual price £11.94pm). 

In addition to this fabulous offer, the Invigor8 Fitness Instructors will also be including a selection of LIVE Les Mills Classes in our weekly free live classes on the Invigor8 Facebook page. These classes are only available to watch live at the stated time and will not be saved to the video library so try not to miss them!

What is Les Mills On Demand?

LES MILLS On Demand gives you the best, authentic Les Mills workouts anywhere, anytime, on almost any device. The workouts have been customized and made available to you as online videos. Many of the workouts are only 20-30 minutes – ideal for in-home – and they’re just as challenging and rewarding as going to the gym. In addition, LES MILLS On Demand provides workout schedules customized to your level of fitness, Les Mills Nutrition knowledge to improve your training and videos to get the most out of your workout regimen.

1000+ CLASSES

13 PROGRAMS

60 DAYS FREE

How Do I Sign up?

You can sign up here. When you sign up you will receive 60 days completely free (Unless you have previously signed up and used your 60 days). When the 60 days are up you will then automatically begin your first month of Les Mills On Demand.

Contact:

For any Les Mills On Demand queries please email: support@lesmillsondemand.com 

For general Wirral Leisure queries please email: bookingsandinformation@wirral.gov.uk 

LES MILLS ON DEMAND FAQ

For Cancellations please view the Les Mills How do I Cancel my Subscription Page.

November 13, 2020

Wellbeing Week with Wirral Leisure

WELLBEING WEEK WITH WIRRAL LEISURE

Monday 16th November – Sunday 22nd November

From Monday 16th November we are going to be focusing on the importance of everyone’s wellbeing and do what we can to help. Our Wellbeing Week will be ran by our amazing team of Invigor8 fitness instructors who are offering over 20 Wellbeing sessions throughout the week in addition to our usual class timetable of over 40 Exercise Classes. In total we have over 60 classes and activity session for you to access from home. All sessions are completely Free and available to members and non members, all you need to do is head over and ‘Like’ the Invigor8 Facebook Page to make sure to don’t miss out!

WHAT IS WELLBEING?

Wellbeing is defined by the Oxford English Dictionary as “the state of being comfortable, healthy, or happy.” We think it is much more than that though. Wellbeing is so important to our overall health. By looking after our wellbeing and doing things to help improve our it we are working on our overall health which in the long run helps us to overcome difficulties and challenges. 

Ways to improve our Wellbeing include connecting with people (this can simply be over the phone or by checking in on friends over text), being physically active, learning new things and so many other ways. We will each find our own things that help improve our wellbeing.

The benefits of having a good wellbeing are endless – we cant wait to help you along with your wellbeing journey with some fantastic sessions.

WHAT WE’RE OFFERING?

We are offering a variety of classes and sessions on our Facebook Page, outdoors, on video chat and over the phone. Our Instructors our running Wellbeing sessions such as:

  • Facebook Live Classes – Free
  • Q&A Ineractive Classes – Free
  • Outdoor One To One – Book via 07880063834
  • Wellbeing Telephone Chat – Book via bookingsandinformation@wirral.gov.uk

OUR AIM

Our aim is to improve the wellbeing of our customers and Wirral residents alike. We all know that everyone needs a helping hand to keep motivated, active, healthy and happy but especially during these very different times and the ongoing Covid 19 restrictions that are affecting people’s lives. Sometimes we forget to check in on ourselves and our wellbeing, we hope that our focus will allow you to take some time for yourself and work on your own wellbeing and that of your friends and family.

If you have any questions or require further information please contact us on 0151 606 2010 (Mon – Fri 9am to 5pm) or email us at bookingsandinformation@wirral.gov.uk 

We look forward to seeing you at a session

TIMETABLE

To view our timetable on Facebook, click here.

Wellbeing Timetable

As well as our Wellbeing online classes we also offer a wide range of other online exercise classes including HIIT, Revs Cycle, Insanity, Les Mills and more!

View our online exercise timetable here

November 12, 2020

Keep Fit After 50

As all 50 plus women know it gets harder with age to keep your body in tip top condition. As we age our workouts need to be adapted and tweaked so we continue to get the same benefits from our fitness regime.

50 plus goal is to add some weight training to your weekly routine. Muscle is a fat burning machine that keeps your metabolism working to burn calories. By adding strength training to your weekly routine 3 or 4 times a week you will hold on to the muscle you had in your 20s and 30s.

Find a class that you really love that incorporates some weight training or buy a resistance band and dumbbells that you can use at home. If you don’t want to use weights just using your own body weight as resistance is enough to see some real results.

Squats, lunges, and press ups will all give you the following benefits.

You will change the shape of your body
You will boost your metabolism by retaining or building more muscle
You will increase strength, becoming more functional
You will build strong bones and combat osteoporosis
You will improve joint stability and reduce the risk of injury.

So, go on what are you waiting for – start throwing your weight around today!

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