Brio helps ex-military get fit for civvy street1 Sep

EX-soldiers, sailors and aircrew are being offered free and discounted memberships of leisure centres run by Brio Leisure, the Community Interest Company which is a subsidiary company of Cheshire West and Chester Council.

The memberships will be offered to former military personnel who have left the service either through retirement or medical discharge. Brio already offers free memberships to serving members of the military.

Cllr Paul Donovan, the council’s portfolio holder for Democracy and Workforce and Chair of Brio Board, said the scheme recognised the role of former military personnel returning home and looking to move back into civilian life.

“Serving armed forces members already benefit from the Brio scheme and this will now allow former servicemen and women to also access Brio’s facilities across Chester, Ellesmere Port and Neston and Mid and South Cheshire,” he added.

Managing Director at Brio Leisure Elly McFahn said the discounted memberships would last for up to five years from military discharge with the first year completely free for those leaving on medical grounds

Mrs McFahn added: “The membership will give former members of the armed forces discounted access to all swimming, gym and fitness classes plus off peak racquet sports, such as badminton, and squash at all of our centres for up to five years after they leave the forces.

“We hope the offer will also show our support for the armed forces and the terrific job they do, and which is about Brio being involved in the local Community Covenant between the Council and the Armed Forces Community.

Mayor of Ellesmere Port, Cllr Lynn Clare, who has two sons serving in the Army, was joined by ex-serviceman Paul Lally to launch the scheme at the newly opened Ellesmere Port Sports Village, one of the participating centres in the Brio scheme.
Other centres include Northgate Arena in Chester, Neston Recreation Centre, Northwich Memorial Court, Winsford Lifestyle Centre, Christleton Sports Centre, Frodsham Leisure Centre, Rudheath Leisure Centre and Malpas Sports Centre.

Mr Lally, a former sergeant in the Royal Artillery, said: “Servicemen and women do make a huge contribution to this country and I’m delighted that Brio Leisure are recognising this through this initiative.”

Cllr Clare added: “In America ex servicemen and women are held in high regard and recognised for the work they do with discounts and special offers. We hope that other companies and organisations in Cheshire will follow Brio’s example and do more to help those leaving the forces integrate back into community life.”

Brio Leisure was established with the intention of providing first class leisure services for the communities it serves. In addition to leisure, gym and swim centres Brio also manages a number of community entertainment venues including Northwich Memorial Court , Neston Civic Hall and Ellesmere Port Civic Hall. As a Community Interest Company it is a social enterprise which is managed to benefit the community. The company’s assets and profits are dedicated solely to its community purpose, rather than any form of private advantage.

If you are a retired member of the Armed Forces and would like to register for a discounted membership you need to produce valid discharge papers and register at your local Brio Leisure centre.

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