We have joined forces with KAL to tackle health inequalities in Kirklees
We will be developing plans with Kirklees Active Leisure (KAL) to help tackle some of the health inequalities faced by local communities in Kirklees.
What will happen?
The lockdown has given us and KAL the opportunity to think how the partnership can even better support the health needs of local communities. This will be important for those people in particular who are recovering from the coronavirus.
This joint approach to tackling health inequalities will be set out as part of a ‘KAL Commission’ which is currently being developed.
Supporting KAL
For now, we are proposing financial support of up to £4m to support KAL whilst they recover from the major financial impact of the Covid-19 lockdown. The funds will help to prevent job losses so that this important, local charity can continue to keep residents well now and in the future.
Councillor Graham Turner, Cabinet Member for Corporate said:
“Leisure facilities are vital in keeping the people of Kirklees healthy and well. KAL provide facilities for people to enjoy family time together, in a safe and friendly environment that allows them to have fun, whilst keeping fit.
“We want to make sure these facilities are still there for people to use as lockdown restrictions ease and into the months and years ahead. That is why we are proposing to support KAL with this financial package so that they can plan and develop activities to help combat some of the health inequalities our communities face.”
When can I access facilities?
KAL operates 12 sites on behalf of us and have begun a phased re-opening of facilities since lockdown restrictions were eased, with the first sites due to re-open on Monday 27th July for gym and fitness classes.
Keeping people safe
The re-opening will see fewer facilities available in the first instance in order to maintain social distancing guidelines and protect people from the spread of the virus.
Further information about what is available can be found on the KAL website.