Partners sign up to new Compact for Leeds

Paul Rogerson, chief executive of Leeds City Council signs up to the principles of Compact for Leeds 2010

This week sees the launch of the new Compact for Leeds, and representatives from public, voluntary and community sector organisations from across the city will come together at Leeds Civic Hall to sign up its principles.

The Compact provides guidance to public and voluntary sector organisations about the best ways for them to work together to deliver the best possible outcomes for the people of Leeds.

The first Compact for Leeds was adopted in 2003, and many of the aspirations of that document are now everyday practise. For example, the voluntary or third sector is now a key partner in the drafting and delivery of the Leeds Strategic Plan, which sets the priorities for the city.

Compact for Leeds 2010 takes account of the current economic climate and acknowledges the pressures on public sector budgets and third sector funding. The principles laid out in it will help to build on the commitment made by partners of the Leeds Strategic Plan to create a thriving third sector in Leeds.

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Media are invited to the Compact for Leeds 2010 launch event on Wednesday, 9 June at the Banqueting Suite, Leeds Civic Hall to photograph the key partners sign up to the Compact principles. The event starts at 11am with the signing taking place at 12 noon.

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Councillor Lucinda Yeadon, executive board member with responsibility for the 2010 Leeds Year of Volunteering said:
"Compact for Leeds 2010 will help the council and its third sector partners to build on the work of the original Compact, and to deliver effective services across the city, making sure that we reach the communities that need them the most.

"By signing up to the Compact we are showing our commitment to delivering the Leeds Strategic Plan and strengthening the good working relationships that we already have, which is particularly important in these challenging economic times."

The seven principles of Compact for Leeds 2010 are:
¨ Working together
¨ Consulting communities
¨ Sharing information
¨ Allocating resources
¨ Building communities and third sector capacity
¨ Promoting volunteering
¨ Promoting fairness and good community relations

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Additional info
Representatives of NHS Leeds, Leeds Partnerships NHS Foundation Trust, Leeds City Council and Third Sector Leeds will speak at the event.

For media enquiries, please contact;
Claire Macklam, Leeds City Council press office (0113) 395 1578
Email: claire.macklam@leeds.gov.uk

People aged 45 and over urged to get active

People aged 45 and over are being encouraged to get active in a bid to improve their physical, mental and social well-being.

Thursday 10 June 2010 will see the launch of Active Older Sporting Communities at Armley’s new state-of-the-art leisure centre. It is an innovative project helping people aged 45 and over get fit and active in whatever way they can.

The launch will provided taster sessions in Yoga, Pilates and Tia Chi while also providing free health-checks and swim sessions. For those looking for something a bit more competitive there is badminton, tennis and touch rugby.

Visitors will also get a chance to meet Older Peoples’ Sport Development Officer, Allyson Bertram, who is spearheading Leeds City Council’s project raising awareness about the benefits of remaining active.

She will be on hand to promote the idea of “active ageing” where physical exercise is used by those approaching retirement to prevent illness, enjoy recreation and social interaction. After retirement is used to promote mobility and independence and for those entering old age to maintain quality of life.

Allyson Bertram, Older Peoples’ Sport Development Officer, said:

“We target anyone aged 45 years plus. You might be surprised we start with people so young, but our bodies have started deteriorating at this age, especially if inactive.”

“Fortunately regular physical activity slows this deterioration helping us to maintain muscular strength, flexibility and endurance as well as healthy bones, heart and lungs.

“Anyone can exercise and play sport, but if you’re worried about your ability, talk to your GP or book an induction at a leisure centre and our qualified staff will help design a programme based on your fitness goals and lifestyle.”

Most leisure centres offer Active Life Classes, aimed at people aged 50 plus, which incorporate a variety of fun and social activities suitable for all fitness levels.

Leeds City Council executive member for Leisure Councillor Adam Ogilvie said:

“We are committed to helping older people stay fit and active. Programmes on offer at leisure centres around Leeds can cater for everyone including those with restricted mobility who want to improve their fitness levels.”

According to Government statistics only 17 per cent of men and 13 per cent of women aged 65 plus currently get the recommended 30 minutes of physical activity five days a week.

Physically active people reduce the risk of developing major chronic diseases by up to 50 per cent and the risk of premature death by between 20 and 30 per cent.

Sport England has invested £61,705 of National Lottery funding in Active Older Sporting Communities.

Anne Ibrahim, Sport England's Regional Lead for Yorkshire, said:

“Age really doesn't have to be a barrier to playing sport, especially when there's a wide range on activities on offer locally. What's important is finding a sport that feels right and then there no stopping you.

“The Active Older Sporting Communities project is a great way for people to try a new activity, get back into a sports they used to play and of course meet people, stay healthy and have fun."

Anyone aged 65 and over who feel they could instruct fitness classes are also begin asked to come forward. More information about activities on offer at leisure centres around Leeds and instructing classes can be found at www.leeds.gov.uk/leisurecentres.

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For media enquiries please contact: Daniel Johnson, Leisure Communications Officer, Tel: 0113 247 8285, Email: Daniel.johnson1@leeds.gov.uk.

Ticket-rush begins for Party and Opera fans

The clamour for a place at the two biggest free outdoor events in the UK began this weekend as thousands of people turned out to Millennium Square on Saturday to scoop their free tickets for this year’s Party and Opera in the Park in Leeds.

Queues began to build up at 8am in advance of the 10am launch with people continuing to arrive in large numbers throughout the day for their chance of free entry to the hugely-popular annual events organised by Leeds City Council, which this year take place at Temple Newsam Park on the weekend of July 24th-25th.

Chart topping artists such as The Saturdays, Basshunter, Alesha Dixon, Gabriella Cilmi, The Hoosiers and Pixie Lott are already lined up to play Party in the Park with more huge acts yet to be announced every Monday over the forthcoming weeks.

Meanwhile Opera in the Park will provide another spectacular evening of classical entertainment with a welcome return to the music stage by the region’s very own and universally-acclaimed Orchestra of Opera North together with the Leeds Philharmonic Chorus and featuring various well known soloists from the world of Opera. Capacity for the Party is 70,000 and 50,000 for Opera in the Park

Leeds City Council executive member for Leisure Councillor Adam Ogilvie said:

“Judging by Saturday’s initial surge, tickets for this year’s Party and Opera in the Park events are not going to be available for long so make sure you make sure of your place.

“Both events offer amazing free entertainment with the line-ups for both events already looking fantastic. Last year’s Party in the Park was considered the best ever but this year’s line-up is arguably even stronger so it is going to be another not-to-be-missed show.

“We want everyone to enjoy the amazing entertainment and as always encouraging disabled people to apply for tickets.”

Following the hugely popular ticket launch event on Millennium Square on Saturday 5th June however, remaining Party in the Park tickets are now limited strictly limited to two tickets per applicant on a first come first served basis from the following outlets:

• Leeds Town Hall
• City Centre Box Office (Carriageworks Theatre)
• 96.3 Radio Aire Reception

Members of the city's BreezeCard scheme can also apply exclusively on-line for Party in the Park tickets by visiting www.breezeleeds.org/party.

Anyone without tickets can also register their details at www.radioaire.com for an on-line draw for any unused / returned tickets.

Remaining Opera in the Park tickets are currently available to collect in person (to a maximum of four tickets per applicant) from Leeds Town Hall, City Centre Box Office, the reception of Magic 828 plus a limited number from the following local libraries: Beeston, Boston Spa, Bramley, Chapel Allerton, Crossgates, Garforth, Guiseley, Halton, Horsforth, Kippax, Otley, Moor Allerton, Morley, Pudsey, Rothwell and Wetherby. Due to such a high demand for tickets however, people are encouraged to phone first to check availability before travelling.

Disabled applicants can still apply in writing for both events by sending a stamped self addressed envelope with proof of status to: Leeds City Council Events Team, Leeds Town Hall, The Headrow, Leeds, LS1 3AD.

Joel from 96.3 Radio Aire’s JK & Joel @ Breakfast said:

“Tickets for Party in the Park have once again proved to be the hottest tickets in town and we’re really excited that the event is now only a matter of weeks away. Last year was our first Party In The Park and with the calibre of artists already announced last week and more huge names to follow, we just can’t wait for July 25th”

Glenn Pinder, Magic 828 Breakfast show presenter, said:

“Opera in the Park is a such great event for everyone and I’m really looking forward to another glorious summers evening of classical entertainment at Temple Newsam. Tickets are already in high demand and I encourage everyone to get their tickets as soon as possible so they don’t miss out”

Regular updates on remaining ticket availability and locations will be given by event partners 96.3 Radio Aire and the Yorkshire Evening Post for Party in the Park and Magic 828 and Yorkshire Post for Opera in the Park or visit www.leeds.gov.uk

Anyone requiring further details or general event information should contact Leeds City Council’s Events team on 0113- 395 0891

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For media enquiries please contact:Daniel Johnson, Leisure Communications Officer Tel: 0113 247 8285 Email: Daniel.johnson1@leeds.gov.uk