Celebrating Monmouthshire Summer Activity Hubs

Over the last few months during this very different period, MonLife were able to demonstrate how they can collaborate effectively to deliver programs that positively impact young people in Monmouthshire.

At the start of the summer holidays MonLife we asked to provide a program for children aged 5-12 to access daily activities. In normal circumstances, The Monmouthshire Games is usually delivered within the four MonLife leisure centres. However, due to the pandemic, it required an adapted program to be devised and collaborative work.

With the help of services from sports development, youth service and leisure the Monmouthshire Summer Activity Hubs were developed. It was essential that the program had a variety of activities, risk assessed and following government guidelines to keep the children and staff safe.

“The Monmouthshire Summer Activity Hubs were a perfect example of MonLife employees coming together to provide a great experience for our young people. The feedback from the parents and children was positive and they enjoyed being able to interact with their friends from school as well as creating new friendships. We hope this gave the children some form of normality before going back to school in September”. – Sports development officer

The expertise of people within these services created a variety of activities for the children to complete from team building games, sports to arts and crafts. The impact of this program positively affected young people in Monmouthshire and in some instances it was the first opportunity that children had to reengage with others since the lockdown. The Hubs provided a safe environment for children to be able to interact and socialise together, which is reflected in the feedback gathered during the summer.

The delivery of the hubs also provided the parents and carers in the community with a scheme that they can trust and they can restart some normality of work. In addition to this, it provided staff with the opportunity to return to the workplace and reengage with the community.

Following on from the success of the Summer Activity Hubs we are very excited to announce that The Monmouthshire Games will be returning this October Half Term. Keep an eye out on our social media for the latest news and to register your interest as there will be limited spaces available!

MonLife Active Develop Digital Channels During Lockdown To Keep Residents Active And Engaged

Following the closure of MonLife Leisure Centres on the 20^th March we decided to go digital to ensure our customers could continue their journey with us.

MonLife Active Fitness Instructors started recording Classes and Workouts such as Yoga, Tai Chi and HIIT and sharing them via the newly formed MonLife YouTube channel which now has more than 150 classes, and can be viewed at any time for FREE https://www.youtube.com/c/MonLife/videos 

“Your well-being workouts have been a huge part of keeping me feeling rooted and connected to our old lives. Thank you team”

The digital platforms started to develop quickly and enabled the staff to use Zoom classes as the platform for customer interaction and coaching element that both members and instructors enjoy so much, with 3 classes being offered each day with a post-class Coffee Catch Up. 

The MonLife Active NERS Team also wanted to support people in the local community by organising a fundraiser using Zoom classes to support people living with Mental Health in Wales during the COVID-19 Pandemic, which raised £619.00 

Additionally, using the Technogym My Wellness App “Stay at Home” Physical Activity Challenge, which provided new workouts every day and a Walk/Run The Monmouthshire Way Challenges were created to provide support and motivation to over 200 members while they waited for our centres to re-open.   

“Thank you guys, all of you at Monmouth leisure centre have gone above and beyond. Truly amazing people”

We look forward to finding new and innovative ways to stay in contact with the members of our community to keep supporting both their physical and mental wellbeing. 

We have also launched our brand new MonLife App, keep up to date with news, timetables, activities and more, simply download it from the Apple or Play store. Your Leisure Centre in your pocket!

Leisure Providers in Gwent Join Together to Keep Customers Active During Lockdown

Leisure Providers in Gwent Join Together to Keep Customers Active During Lockdown

Following the most recent announcement from Welsh Government, additional lockdown restrictions have been put into place in several areas across South Wales. The importance of physical activity has never been more important and with this in mind leisure providers have joined together across Gwent to help keep customers active.

Customers who have a membership with a leisure provider in counties across Gwent, which they will be unable to access due to local lockdown restrictions, will instead through this innovative partnership be able to attend their local gyms or leisure centre whilst the local lockdown remains in place.

This new initiative, called Active Gwent, includes Aneurin Leisure (Blaenau Gwent), Caerphilly County Borough Council Sport & Leisure Services, MonLife (Monmouth), Newport Live and Torfaen Leisure Trust.

This means that customers who live in Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly, Torfaen, Monmouthshire or Newport who are currently members of leisure providers outside of their local area which they are now unable to access, can be given an Active Gwent membership to attend leisure services in their own county as part of this new partnership.

This will be available until 31st October 2020 initially and kept under review following Welsh Government updates. Customers continue to pay their existing membership fees and will remain members of their usual leisure provider. When local lockdowns are lifted, they will be able to return to their usual facilities. Members who are eligible for this will be contacted by their local leisure provider with more details on how to gain access.

The Active Gwent initiative has been introduced to help support communities in Gwent with remaining physically active whilst restrictions remain in place. All of the leisure providers taking part remain committed to the safety of staff and customers with additional guidelines in place including enhanced cleaning regimes and social distancing.

Steve Ward, Chief Executive at Newport Live said “We are thrilled to be joining with other leisure organisations across Gwent to strengthen the Active Gwent partnership. It is important to be able to help people with keeping active and to support their health and wellbeing, even more so during these challenging times. This new initiative means that despite local lockdowns, customers will still have seamless access to take part in sports and activities in their local area.”

Phill Sykes, Director of Operations at Aneurin Leisure Trust added “Our mission is to improve community life.  We’re delighted to work in partnership with Active Gwent to provide members outside of the borough with the opportunity to continue their fitness activity whilst the local restrictions are in place, through this reciprocal agreement.”

Angharad Collins, CEO Torfaen Leisure Trust said “WE are delighted that in the face of adversity in our sector that we have been able to collaborate with other colleagues in Gwent for this ground-breaking project.  Our ultimate aim is to ensure that the citizens of Gwent can continue to be physically active in our COVID safe environments.  I strongly encourage you to get in touch with your existing provider to take advantage of this unique opportunity.”

Cllr Richard John, Cabinet Member for MonLife said “This fantastic news means that people can continue to keep fit and well at a local leisure centre as winter approaches – regardless of their home address in Gwent. This is a great example of how we are working in partnership across Gwent to support people – I would like to thank everyone who has made this happen.”

Cllr Ross Whiting, the Caerphilly County Borough Council Cabinet Member for Learning and Achievement commented “The collaboration between leisure trusts and councils from across Gwent is a fantastic initiative that will allow residents of Caerphilly and the wider Gwent area to keep active in a time when customers need physical activity the most.

“I am delighted that leisure providers from across Gwent have come together to find a solution that is in the best interest of the people that matter – our residents. Thank you to all officers who have made this possible and to our customers who have been patiently waiting to return to their favourite facilities once again.”

More details about participating leisure providers can be found at the websites below.
Blaenau Gwent – AneurinLeisure.org.uk
Caerphilly – Caerphilly County Borough Council Sport & Leisure Services
Monmouthshire – MonLife.co.uk
Newport – NewportLive.co.uk
Torfaen – Torfaen Leisure Trust

The latest information on local lockdowns from Welsh Government can be found here: https://gov.wales/local-lockdown

Welsh Government Announcement: Facemasks

Customer Announcement

Following on from the recent announcement made by Welsh Government, please be advised that customers and staff using all MonLife facilities will have to wear a facemask from Monday 14th September.

If you have visited one of our MonLife facilities, you will see that we have put measures in place to ensure the safety of our customers and staff. More than ever, we need to ensure that everyone is adhering to these measures, especially the 2-metre social distancing rule and washing your hands.

Take a look at the video below of Monmouth Leisure Centre, this will give you an idea of what to expect in all of our MonLife facilities.

These are very different times for us all and we are doing everything possible to ensure the safety of our customers and staff.

It is recognised that there may be a variety of reasons e.g. physical or mental illness, disability or impairment that prevents someone from being able to wear a face covering. In such circumstances, the Welsh Government advise people to carry information, which demonstrates, why they are unable to wear a face covering, e.g. a prescription or hospital letter relating to a medical condition.

For more information, please click here ? https://gov.wales/face-coverings-guidance-public

If you have any questions then please email monmemberships@monmouthshire.gov.uk

Thank you for your continued support.

MonLife Active Plan To Reopen Leisure Centres

Following the Welsh Governments announcement on Friday 31st July, we are thrilled to announce all 4 MonLife Leisure Centres in Monmouthshire will begin to reopen on Monday the 10th August. We are working hard to mobilise our teams and open facilities and welcome our valued customers back.

Our staff are working tirelessly preparing your facilities, we want to make sure that you feel safe and comfortable. We will share these plans with you in the coming days so that you can see exactly what we have been doing and what to expect on your next visit.

 We look forward to seeing you very soon.

“We are delighted by the Welsh Government‘a announcement today giving our hardworking MonLife team the green light to begin reopening our leisure centre facilities from Monday 10th August.

“The lockdown has really taken its toll on people’s mental and physical health so the ability to take part in a wide range of leisure activities will be welcomed by many of our residents.

“I’d like to thank our leisure centre customers for their patience and support during this difficult time and we look forward to welcoming you back.”

Quote from Richard John, Monmouthshire elected member for Leisure and Education.

We’ve compiled a comprehensive list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) to #MakeYourComeback. Click the link to find out more.

Your new look Caldicot Leisure Centre

Your new look Caldicot Leisure Centre

Today MonLife launched their new website that allows you to take a look at the proposed multi-million pound re-development plans for Caldicot Leisure Centre.  This site gives you the opportunity to have your say via our online survey and also answer any questions you may have. 

The consultation will take place from the 10^th June and we want to hear your feedback.  By completing the survey or signing up for our regular updates you will also be entered into a prize draw for a chance of winning a MonActive Annual Membership worth £335 or a Fitbit charge 4.

Here at MonLife we are committed to investing in projects which will benefit the health and wellbeing of our community, not only for now but also for our future generations.  Our Leisure Centres provide a vital hub to support physical and emotional wellbeing across all age demographics.  MonLife is excited to be focusing on the re development of Caldicot Leisure Centre and look forward to developing the project to provide state of the art facilities for our existing and future customers. 

The proposed new facilities will include:

• Children’s Adventure Play
• Extended Fitness Suite
• Power Assisted Exercise Studio
• Spin Studio
• Fitness Changing
• Studio / Community Room
• Changing Village for the pool
• Outdoor Changing Facilities
• Café
• New Reception Area
• Viewing for the pool
• New Skatepark
• Additional Parking spaces
• Light refurbishment to the pool

This development follows the successful completion of the project at Monmouth Leisure Centre, which was completed in 2019. Councillor Richard John, Cabinet member for MonLife  “We want the new Leisure Centre in Caldicot to be at the heart of the community and that’s why we’re proposing this multi-million pound investment in exciting new facilities. We now want to hear the views of as many people as possible before we make any final decisions about the new Leisure Centre. I’d urge everyone in Caldicot and surrounding communities to have their say.”

Richard John Cabinet member for MonLife and Monmouthshire Elected Members are committed to investing in and developing Leisure facilities across our county to support the health and wellbeing of our citizens.  The continued investment in to Leisure facilities will have a significant impact on wellbeing for not only now, but also for our future generations.

To have your say and to be in with a chance of winning please visit
www.monlifeleisuredevelopment.co.uk

Two winners will be drawn on Monday 3rd August 2020 and contacted via the email provided.

Monmouthshire’s Countryside Access Network Covid Information

“Stay Active, Stay Safe.”

Please follow the Welsh Government guidance that applies to everyone living or travelling in Wales.

• Stay at home if you or anyone you live with has Coronavirus Symptoms, this includes if you have been contacted by NHS Wales Test, Trace and Protect and told to self- isolate
• Be vigilant with hand washing and hygiene

What countryside Sites and Public Rights of Way are open?

All of our countryside sites are open for use and no car parks are currently shut. 

All closures are kept under review and any amendments will appear here.  Closures on paths due to flooding, dangerous bridges etc. can be found here.

Before you visit 

• Make your promise to Wales to care for our local communities and protect our landscapes.
• Plan ahead – check what is open and closed before you set out.  Pack hand sanitiser and face masks.
• Avoid crowds – Chose a quiet place and if busy go to an alternate destination.
• Be adventure smart 

While you are there

• If our car parks are full, or busy, please come back another time and do not park on access roads or surrounding roads.
• Please do not linger in car parks so that others can safely come and go
• Take your litter home
• Many footpaths and bridleways cross private gardens, farms and farmland.  Please keep to the paths and follow the new countryside code.
• Be a responsible dog owner by following the dog walking code
• Enjoy your visit, have fun, make a memory

Things to do

Find out what you can do at Visit Monmouthshire.

Additionally for information on where to walk, or to report issues, please use our Countryside Access Map

The Countryside Access Service is currently experiencing high volumes of reported issues.  Please note if you report anything, there may well be a delay in receiving a response.   Our offices at Raglan and County Hall still remain closed to the public and it will take some time before all volunteering activities will be re-started.

MonLife Venue Closures Update

Dear MonLife Customer

The decision has been made to close all 4 MonLife Leisure Centres from Friday 20th March at 10pm

This was not a decision that has been taken lightly, over the last few weeks staff have been working relentlessly to provide a safe environment for you and we would like to thank you for the support that you have shown them.

Our customers and staff as well as the community are our priority. Due to staff shortages, protecting health, and redistributing resources to support priority areas across Monmouthshire County Council, we have to close until further notice.

Memberships

We would like to reassure you that there will be no direct debit payment taken during the period that the Leisure Centres are closed and we will be automatically freezing your membership from tomorrow. You do not need to do anything we will arrange any alteration to your direct debit payment when we are back open to ensure you have not lost out during the time of closure.

Swimming Lessons

As with the memberships your swimming lesson membership will be automatically frozen. If you have a direct debit with us then we will not be taking any payments during the time that we are closed. As soon as we know when we will re-open we will let you know so that you can restart your swimming lessons at MonLife.

If you have any bookings with us then please bear with us as we will be in touch with you, however if your query is urgent then please call the relevant Leisure Centre

Your health and wellbeing is very important to us and we have been exploring opportunities for you to carry on with your wellbeing journey at home. We have created a MonLife YouTube channel click here where we will be regularly posting videos. As well as this click the following link and you can have free access to World Class Les Mills https://watch.lesmillsondemand.com/at-home-workouts

As a valued customer we would like to thank you for your continued support, we will be dealing with a high volume of calls please bear with us. For further updates please follow is on social media or visit www.MonLife.co.uk

We look forward to welcoming you all back soon

Coronavirus MonLife Customer Update 18/03/2020

Please be advised that as of tomorrow 19th March 2020 all Monmouthshire Museums will be temporarily closed. The grounds of Abergavenny Castle will remain open for you to use and enjoy but please follow the advice from Public Health Wales.

The Country Park only at Caldicot Castle and the Old Station Tintern walk will be accessible to public.

The Guided Walks programme has also been cancelled until further notice including the walk this Sunday 22nd March from Wern Y Cwm Forestry Car Park.

Also following Public Health Wales measures all NERS Programmes have been suspended, all customers that are currently part of this scheme have been notified.

The DofE Programme has also been cancelled until further notice.

Further updates will be given as and when we receive them. We would like to thank you for your support and apologise for any convenience caused but our priority is our customer and staff safety.