Monlife awarded top accolade for supporting disabled people accessing sport

Monlife is celebrating being given a top award for helping people with disabilities accessing sport.

The service group managed by Monmouthshire County Council was awarded the insport Silver Standard at Full Council by Michelle Daltry Partnership Manager, Disability Sport Wales on Thursday 16^th of January.

The insport Development programme aims to support and deliver inclusivity for disabled people through a toolkit developed by Disability Sport Wales, supporting the inclusive thinking, planning, development and delivery.  This means that MonLife Active staff can deliver across the spectrum to disabled and non-disabled people at whatever level they wish to participate or compete.

By achieving this standard opportunities are widened, participation will increase, disabled people become more active and engaged and we have a nation who are hooked on sport for life.  This will deliver a cultural change in attitude, approach and provision of physical activity and wider opportunities for disabled people.

Throughout the four standards; Ribbon, Bronze, Silver and Gold, each partner is supported by Disability Sport Wales to grow their expertise and understanding of disability sport. With the aim of Partners becoming progressively more independent and able to demonstrate improved delivery and support to disabled people.

Councillor Richard John, Cabinet Member for Education and Leisure said: “Achieving the Silver award demonstrates the commitment to inclusion from MonLife and Monmouthshire Council to increase sporting opportunities for disabled people and our ongoing commitment in  playing a significant role in building sustainable and resilient communities, reducing inequalities and supporting vulnerable people.  Cabinet fully supports the journey to the Gold Accreditation”.

Michelle Daltry, Partnership Manager at Disability Sport Wales said “Disability Sport Wales wish to congratulate MonLife on their achievement of the insport silver standard.  It is a real testament to the calibre of work they are currently doing and have committed to do in the future, and will ensure the ongoing development of inclusive sports to disabled communities in the Monmouthshire area.  Congratulations to all involved.”

As MonLife continues on its insport Development journey receiving the Silver standard is a real testament to all staff involved.  MonLife are committed that all service areas will illustrate the inclusive cultural change by going through the insport accreditation with core aims to include its partnership working with Education, Health and Social Services.

Welcome to MonLife an exciting new venture

Monday 6th January 2020 marked the launch of MonLife, an exciting collaboration that has unified all services and facilities under one brand, strengthening awareness and enhancing opportunities for all.

MonLife is part of Monmouthshire County Council and delivers leisure, youth and outdoor education, green infrastructure and countryside access, play, learning, destination management, arts, museums and attractions.

Below are the Operational Areas of MonLife

MonLife offers some of the most impressive buildings with historical interests and activities to engage all ages and with all of these services under one umbrella it positions Monmouthshire as a great place to live, work, play and visit.

By aligning to Public Service Boards and Well-being plans, MonLife will play a significant role in building sustainable and resilient communities, reducing inequalities and supporting vulnerable people.

Ian Saunders, Chief Operating Officer – “I am thrilled to be leading MonLife and look forward to its first full year in operation helping MonLife grow and thrive with an amazing group of passionate and committed colleagues. MonLife has been designed by Monmouthshire to be a new, dynamic and fast moving organisation with a commercial focus but also ensuring that the valuable services within its portfolio combine to provide huge benefit to the communities, young people and customers they serve. The strategic focus of MonLife is on physical and

mental health and wellbeing, providing opportunities in learning and experiencing, achieving a more physically active lifestyle for all“

Richard John, Cabinet Member for Education and Leisure – “At a time when many councils are cutting back on discretionary services, I am really proud that in Monmouthshire we’re protecting and enhancing our leisure services and attractions through MonLife.

“This launch embodies our commitment to protect locally accessible services for residents, including helping people lead more active and independent lives through our array of diverse services and facilities. MonLife will develop a more commercial focus ensuring the best possible experiences and opportunities for the people of Monmouthshire and the surrounding areas.

“I hope as many residents as possible will take up the opportunity to experience our wonderful facilities and services and see for themselves how MonLife can impact on the mind, body and soul of our community.”

The launch was filled with events across all service areas including everything from mini tennis through to World War II Handling sessions, local food and drink sampling at Chepstow Tourism Information Centre and lighting up Caldicot Castle, the day was of celebration for all. Staff were on hand to talk to customers about MonLife and its vision to enrich people’s lives and create vibrant places.

MonLife Facts

• MonLife have 217 active volunteers
• Our oldest facility, Caldicot Castle, was built in 1100’s
• 13 Facilities (4 Leisure Centres, 3 Museums, 2 Outdoor Sites, 4 Attractions)
• State of the art fitness equipment
• World Class Les Mills fitness classes
• Abundance of history
• Stunning countryside walks
• Amazing tourism destinations

Our Mission – To promote healthier lives and inspirational experiences, and promote the vibrancy of Monmouthshire as a great place to be.

Our Vision – Enriching people’s lives and creating vibrant places.

Our Aims – Enrich people’s lives through participation and activity. Build strong and vibrant places and communities in Monmouthshire. For further information on all of our services and facilities please visit www.monlife.co.uk or follow us on social media.

MonLife is part of Monmouthshire County Council and delivers leisure, youth and outdoor education, green infrastructure and countryside access, play, learning, destination management, arts, museums and attractions.