News

YMCA Thornton has officially opened its new Active Wellness Suite, a cutting-edge facility designed to help individuals of all abilities ease back into fitness and improve overall health and wellbeing. 

The suite, which is funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, was launched by the Deputy Mayor of Wyre, Councillor Steve Nichols, who plans to join the Active Wellness Suite himself. 

Councillor Nichols said: “It was a pleasure to visit the new Active Wellness Suite, it is a fantastic addition to our leisure offering in the borough for residents and looks terrific. By providing this dedicated suite of innovative, accessible equipment, we can ensure that everyone in Wyre, no matter what their age or ability, can enjoy the endless benefits that being active brings.

“Well done to everyone involved in the creation of this suite, which supports our Wyre Moving More strategy and helps to strengthen the connections between sport, physical activity and health and wellbeing by providing even more opportunities to get everyone in Wyre moving more. We want to see as many people benefitting from the new Active Wellness suite as possible.”

The Active Wellness Suite is equipped with power-assisted exercise machines from Innerva. Specifically designed to support those who may be new to fitness, recovering from injury or managing mobility challenges, the equipment provides a unique, low-impact workout experience, encouraging users to regain strength, mobility, and confidence at their own pace.

The new suite aligns with YMCA Fylde Coast’s commitment to creating healthier communities by offering accessible and tailored fitness solutions for all, regardless of age or ability. By working closely with Wyre Council, the facility will also serve as an integral part of local health initiatives aimed at enhancing the well-being of the community.

Showcasing the strong collaboration between local authorities and the YMCA in promoting health and wellness across the community, the launch was also attended by Wyre Council’s Chief Executive, Rebecca Huddleston, along with the council’s Corporate Director of Communities, Marianne Hesketh.

YMCA Fylde Coast CEO, Graham Oatridge, said: “Increasingly, we are using the words ‘active wellness’ more and more as a reminder that we operate our leisure facilities to try and support all people to improve their wellness by being active, so we are delighted to have worked in partnership with Wyre Council to launch the Active Wellness Suite.”

Innerva Marketing & Comms Manager, Laura Childs added “We have been delighted to collaborate with Wyre Council and YMCA Fylde Coast in developing their new Active Wellness suite. From the outset, it was clear that both organisations are wholeheartedly committed to promoting healthy lifestyles and enhancing community health and wellbeing. Our positive working relationship has been a key factor in driving this project forward, and the shared dedication and passion from all involved has been inspiring.

“The unwavering commitment of the team, including Carol Southern, Active Lives & Community Engagement Manager, Wyre Council; Dave Parker, Senior Manager - Physical Activity, Fylde Coast YMCA; and Joe Haydar, Marketing and Communications Manager, Fylde Coast YMCA; has been instrumental in making this exciting new addition a reality. We are confident the Active Wellness suite will make a significant positive impact on the lives of local residents.”

Photo (Main image L-R): Graham Oatridge, CEO - YMCA Fylde Coast, Carol Southern - Active Lives & Community Engagement Manager, Wyre Council & Cllr. Steve Nichols - Deputy Mayor, Wyre Council.