Top awards for two Warrington leisure centres

TWO Warrington leisure centres – Orford Jubilee Neighbourhood Hub and Birchwood Tennis and Leisure Complex  –  have been named centres of excellence for the work they do to support disabled people.
The two centres, which are run by LiveWire, are the only two facilities in the North West to have been awarded the Inclusive Fitness Initiative (IFI) Mark at the top assessment level of “excellent” by the English Federation of Disability Sport.
The “excellent” accreditation means that both facilities demonstrate an outstanding commitment to inclusion which is reflected in their service provision which may exceed the expectation of disabled customers.
Emma Hutchinson, managing director of LiveWire, said: “We are delighted that our facilities in Orford and Birchwood have been named as two of the best in the region for providing access for disabled people.
“We believe that everyone in Warrington should have the same opportunities to enjoy the benefits of exercise and are proud to provide facilities which help disabled people become physically active.”
It comes after three of LiveWire’s other facilities, Broomfields and Great Sankey Leisure Centres and Woolston Neighbourhood Hub were all registered with the IFI Mark earlier this year.
All five facilities had to demonstrate that they provide accessible and inclusive environments and meet the customer service needs of disabled people.
They were assessed on their accessibility of facilities and marketing materials, staff training, fitness equipment and sports development.
LiveWire provides a number of inclusive sport and physical activities across all of their accredited sites as well as a discounted membership for disabled people, giving three months free membership across LiveWire’s leisure centres.
Adrian Derbyshire, former international wheelchair athlete for Great Britain, said: “I regularly use LiveWire’s facilities at Orford Jubilee Neighbourhood Hub and believe they offer fantastic support for people with disabilities.
“The gym is particularly accessible with enough room between equipment to manoeuvre and the flexibility for seats to be removed for wheelchair users.
“Furthermore, the hub has a welcoming environment and a real community feel about it, and it’s a great place for people in Warrington to come together.”