'Health Works' in Easington

31/10/2007

Date: Monday 5 November 2007

Time: 11am - 2pm (VIPs and invited guests only) - 2pm onwards (Members of the Public)

Venue: Healthworks, Paradise Lane, Easington

A new healthy living centre facility in Easington Colliery will officially open its doors for business on Monday 5 November 2007.

Following major work in modernising and refurbishing at a cost of over £750,000, the new centre ‘Healthworks’ based at the former Waterworks building in Paradise Lane, will be opened by John Cummings, MP for Easington and four nominated children from local schools.

The children are, Craig Luck, aged 13 from Glendene School and Community Arts College, Georgie Smith, aged 10 from Our Lady Star of the Sea, Rebecca Smith, aged 8 from Easington Colliery Primary School and Chynna Holmes, aged 10 from Yohden Primary School.

Lady Ann Calman, Chair of County Durham Primary Care Trust (PCT) is one of a number of VIP guests who will be attending the opening.

There will be a number of activities taking place during the afternoon, including:

• Tile painting
• Story telling
• Smoothie taster sessions
 
Newcastle United goalkeeper, Steve Harper will also be attending the event. Steve, who was born in Easington, will be joining local people in the cardiovascular suite, giving demonstrations and highlighting the importance of a healthy lifestyle and will be helping children with their football skills.

This new modern community facility, which will be run and managed by County Durham PCT, was developed as part of the neighbourhood renewal programme in partnership with the District of Easington Council, Northumbrian Water, East Durham Local Strategic Partnership (LSP), Neighbourhood Management Pathfinder and other stakeholders.

The local community have been very much involved in the development of the centre through public consultation and involvement events. 

‘Healthworks’ will enable the people of Easington to access a range of service providers and community groups which will affect the quality of life of the Easington community.

A huge range of facilities are being made available, some of which include:

• Cardiovascular gym including Fit Works gym for children
• Weight management programmes
• Men’s health
• Food co-op
• Healthy eating courses
• Citizens and benefit advice

Local services, such as Police, Age Concern and Chiropody Watch are also available at the centre and there are opportunities for volunteers to help out with ‘meet and greet’  and other small jobs at the centre.

Lady Ann Calman, Chair of County Durham PCT, said: “Healthworks is a ground-breaking initiative which will make a real difference towards improving the health of the people of Easington.  The centre will provide services and a focal point for the local community where everyone can benefit.

“In Easington, as in other areas of the country, there are concerns about the rising trend of obesity and other health issues in children and young people. The new healthy living centre will give a range of organisations and community groups the opportunity to focus on real issues which affect the quality of life of the people of Easington and hopefully we will see people living healthier lifestyles in the future.”

Councillor Eunice Huntington, Executive Member for Health at District of Easington said: “
“Building a healthy community is a key priority for the council. Good health is important to every resident in the district as it affects their ability to enjoy a full and productive life.

Great progress has been made in improving the health experience of all residents in District of Easington and the Healthworks centre is another important step in delivering services that directly help people to live healthy lifestyles.”

John Cuthbert, Managing Director of Northumbrian Water, added: "Northumbrian Water takes social responsibility very seriously and is immersed in community life in the areas we serve.  This is demonstrated by our commitment as a main partner in the Healthworks initiative. 

“Drinking enough water is a vital part of a healthy lifestyle and we are delighted to have been able to provide the building, a former waterworks, as well as support and expertise to get this initiative off the ground.  We look forward to helping to develop Healthworks and seeing the positive effect it will have on peoples' lives."

ENDS

For further information on this press release please contact Pat Lawlor, communications assistant on 0191 333 3003.