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Places for People Leisure is a social enterprise with over 100 leisure centres in the UK. It wanted to develop a reliable system for quality assurance in exercise programmes. This system aimed to address age and obesity-related chronic diseases. Lacking experience in long-term behaviour change research, the organisation saw the need for a strong partnership with Ji8������.

Working with Ji8������’s School of Rehabilitation, Places for People Leisure sought academic expertise to strengthen the Swim4Health programme. A graduate from Kingston was recruited to manage the project, with a focus on creating an evidence-based approach to swimming as an aid to health, targeting patients referred by GPs.

With all pools equipped with SWIMTAG technology (wristbands that track swimming), Swim4Health participants can monitor their progress, receive online support and stay motivated as they work towards fitness goals.

This partnership helped Places for People Leisure become the first UK leisure provider to implement a national public health-aligned programme. The enhanced Swim4Health model is now in place as an effective tool to reduce inactivity and boost swimming memberships. It also supports Sport England’s “Towards an Active Nation” goals, including increasing swimming frequency.

Through the Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP), Places for People Leisure also expanded connections with health professionals like dietitians. This lets them reach more sedentary individuals to promote healthy lifestyles and reduce NHS costs.