press release: Places Leisure
Places Leisure to roll out Good Boost programme in 15 more centres across the UK
Places Leisure is expanding access to a pioneering health and fitness programme designed to support people living with musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions, rolling out the NHS-approved Good Boost programme across 15 additional centres nationwide.
Specifically designed for people with limited mobility and musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions, Good Boost is a product which delivers personalised exercise programmes which adapt to each person based on their health, symptoms and fitness level.
MSK conditions, affecting bones, joints, muscles, and tendons, are among the most common and impactful health issues in the UK. Over 20 million people in the UK are living with an MSK condition. With the conditions accounting for over 30% of GP appointments in England and costing the NHS more than £5 billion annually [ ref.1 ]. Support from leisure providers and organisations like Good Boost are key in supporting individuals suffering with MSK conditions as well as helping to reduce NHS pressures and delivering social value.
Powered by NHS-approved AI, the Good Boost programmes are delivered through a hand-held tablet which displays easy-to-follow gentle, rehab-focused movements that can help improve areas impacted by MSK conditions as well as improving overall fitness. A recent study of Good Boost participants found that 45% saw significant improvement in physical function [ ref.2 ].
Following a successful funding bid and success at initial trial sites, Good Boost and Places Leisure, are now expanding their offering of the programmes across 15 of their centres which will provided 1,400 people with spaces on a supported introductory 8-week facilitator-led programme as well as being able to access the ‘Grab and Go’ Good Boost sessions during and after the programme.
Jonny Pickering, Head of Healthy Communities at Places Leisure, said: “Since introducing Good Boost to several of our centres, we have seen first-hand the incredible difference this programme can make. People have seen improvements in their strength and mobility as well as improved pain management. Good Boost has also been able to support many people who were previously inactive restart their physical activity journey. As well as improvements to their health and wellbeing, many participants have also enjoyed being able to socialise with like-minded people during their Good Boost sessions.
“Partnerships with like-minded social enterprises like Good Boost are essential tools we can use to reach and support communities to continue to break down the barriers to physical activity and help people to improve their conditions.”
Suzanne Gabb, Chief Operating Officer at Good Boost, said: “We are thrilled to see our partnership with Places Leisure continue to grow. Over the past seven years we continue to see the positive impact the programme is having on those suffering with MSK conditions who are attending the sessions at their local Places Leisure centre.
“The Good Boost programmes generate significant improvements in individual wellbeing, whilst being more than eleven times more cost-effective in comparison to equivalent NHS interventions [ ref.3 ]. By making Good Boost available in more Places Leisure sites, we hope to be able to reach and see more people benefit from the programme.”
Individuals can be referred on a Good Boost programme by their healthcare professional or they can self-refer. To find out more about the programme visit - placesleisure.org/good-boost/
References:
1. Musculoskeletal Health – NHS England: www.england.nhs.uk/elective-care/best-practice-solutions/musculoskeletal/
2. Evaluation and Cost-Consequence Analysis of a Community-Based Digital Exercise Intervention for People With Musculoskeletal Conditions: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/msc.70142
3. Unlocking the Social Value of Community Spaces for Wellbeing, Good Boost: Transforming Community Places into Wellbeing Spaces: www.drive.google.com/file/d/1CCpl12IqPN73taBAwX71I3cAa9t63r_W/view
Dan Walker, business development director
Tatiana Hagan, finance director
Tom Goodhand, operations director
Keiron Butcher, IT director
Keith Evans, director of safety and risk
Our services have something for everyone no matter their life stage. We have swimming lessons for both adults and children, support sessions for wellbeing groups, gym classes for adults, and several tailored programmes which are helping to make physical activity more accessible to all.
