Published 03 April 2023
Children and young people throughout West Dunbartonshire will have free access to swimming and gym sessions this Easter as part of the Council's ongoing commitment to supporting residents with the cost of living.
All school children can swim at West Dunbartonshire Leisure facilities for free over the two-week Easter holidays as part of a budget commitment made in March, and young people between the ages of 12 and 18 can also take advantage of free gym sessions.
It follows the success of the initiative in both the summer and winter holidays in 2022.
Councillor David McBride, Chair of West Dunbartonshire Leisure Trust, said: “The initiative has been hugely successful in the past and we want to encourage all of our young people and families to take up this offer again.
“We know that times are challenging, and this will ensure that whatever their family situation, our young people have the opportunity to have fun over the holidays, as well as participating in an activity that benefits their health and wellbeing.”
Depute Council Leader, Councillor Michelle McGinty, who is Chair of the cross party Cost of Living Working Group, added: “Families are still feeling the impact of price rises on everything from food to fuel and this programme will assist parents and carers in keeping the kids busy and active without cost.
“The initiative was really successful last year and we heard many examples of the difference it was making. It is providing practical help and is just one of the steps we are taking as part of our commitment to helping our people through the cost-of-living crisis.”
The initiative enables pupils to swim for free between 11am and 3pm, while free juvenile gym sessions are available to young people aged between 12 and 18 between 12pm and 4pm. The initiatives will run from Saturday 1 April until Sunday 16 April.
Participants must attend a West Dunbartonshire school or be a resident of the area, and they must have a valid Leisure Card. The first card is issued for free.