South West leisure centre group offers voucher to boost vaccine uptake in younger people
It's part of a drive to give the jab to more youngsters
Last updated 25th Aug 2021
A number of leisure centres in the South West are offering people in the 16-30 age group a special voucher, if they are vaccinated against COVID-19.
It's part of a nationwide initiative from Public Health England, attempting to boost uptake of coronavirus jabs in younger age groups.
The following sites across Wiltshire and Bath are among those which are part of the scheme:
- Health Hydro, Swindon
- Croft Sports Centre, Swindon
- Link Centre, Westlea
- Dorcan Better Health & Recreation Complex, Covingham
- Haydon Centre and Gym, Haydon Wick
- Bath Sports and Leisure Centre, Bath
- Culverhay Leisure Centre, Bath
Better, the charitable social enterprise that runs these facilities, is the only leisure operator in the country involved in the initiative.
The organisation is offering anyone aged between 16 and 30, who has received at least one COVID jab, a three-day free pass to any Better leisure centre or gym and a £10 voucher.
The vouchers can be used against any membership at a Better-operated leisure facility.
A number of businesses - including Asda, Uber and National Express - already offer benefits for those who get vaccinated.
'We wanted to help'
In order to take-up the offer, local residents need to complete the form on the Better website.
Customers must present their vaccination card, or alternative proof, on their first visit to their local Better leisure centre or gym.
Mark Sesnan, Managing Director at Better, has told Greatest Hits Radio: “As soon as we heard about the campaign to incentivise young people to get vaccinated, we wanted to get involved.
"As the UK’s largest operator of municipal leisure facilities, we know the value of regular exercise on our mental and physical health and this has been further highlighted during the pandemic. We also know that having all adults double vaccinated plays a crucial role in our battle against COVID-19, so we wanted to help.
“We hope that by offering free passes and discount vouchers to our 235 gyms, leisure and sports centres across the UK, we will encourage many more young people to take up their vaccine".