Statement of Social Objectives

The Leisure Services Department aims to play a full part in developing a high quality environment, within which all members of the community have the opportunity to enjoy and experience leisure activities which will meet their needs and aspirations. By providing a wide range of services and facilities the Leisure Services Department aims to foster both personal development and a sense of civic pride and involvement among all sections of the community.

In particular, the department aims:

To promote the health, fitness and well-being of all members of the community by: providing opportunities for participation at all levels in formal and informal physical recreation; providing access to the countryside and urban green space and, where it has a responsibility, managing these areas in an environmentally sound manner; and activities; making available and promoting information, guidance, education and training for sport, exercise and physical activity.

To contribute to the personal development and self-fulfilment of all members of the community by: providing a wide range of activities and services to meet the diverse recreational, cultural and information needs of the community; providing activities, events and resources which will stimulate interest in sport, the arts and culture, and providing the necessary training, information and guidance to support these interests; providing opportunities for exposure to a variety of artistic and cultural experience, and opportunities to view sporting and artistic performance of a high standard; providing resources and services which will support and encourage formal and informal education and training; providing activities and services which cater for all levels and standards, and which enable users and participants to develop their skills and abilities.

To encourage community development and civic pride by: supporting the formation and growth of sporting organisations and community groups through provision of accommodation, financial aid and practical support, and information; providing a framework for individuals to become involved in the community and for mutual help and support; providing a programme of services and activities which will bridge the gap between school and adult life, and which will provide constructive and creative activities for young people; providing the information, guidance and training which will promote a well-informed community, with its members equipped to take part in its social, political and cultural life; developing civic pride and a sense of ownership of public services through a high quality of provision, responsive to community needs.

To promote equal opportunity of access and participation in leisure and community life, by: developing and targeting a range of services which will counteract social, economic and physical disadvantage; supporting and enabling minority groups; ensuring equity of access for all members of the community, through the location, design, pricing structure and promotion of services and facilities; providing a programme of outreach services and activities; provision of information, training and guidance.

To contribute to the economic development of the District, by: assisting in the creation of a quality environment in which to live, work and play; developing heritage and tourism facilities within the District; managing and conserving the countryside and green space; promoting and providing information on the Leisure facilities of the District; liaising with other agencies promoting the District.