Better Health Westmorland & Furness

03/09/2025

Right now, 5 million UK adults aged 18-64 may have undiagnosed high blood pressure – increasing their risk of heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease. Many don’t even know it. That’s why getting a simple blood pressure check could literally be a lifesaver.

High blood pressure is known as the “silent killer” – no symptoms, just risk. But knowing your numbers gives you the power to act – whether that’s eating less salt, being more active, or starting medication if needed. Age doesn’t matter. Everyone should know their numbers.

8-14 September is national KnowYourNumbers week and we'll be out and about offering free blood pressure checks. S1-14 sto why not drop in, say hello and take a step towards a healthier you.

📍Kendal Leisure Centre | 11.09, 12:30pm - 15:30pm | 12.09, 12pm - 2pm
📍Ulverston Leisure Centre | 08.09, 11:30am - 1pm
📍Penrith Leisure Centre | 08.09, 11:00am - 1pm | 12.09, 2pm - 3pm
📍Sainsbury's, Penrith | 11.09, 10:00am - 3pm
📍Appleby Library | 09.09, 10am - 3pm
📍Appleby Lesiure Centre | 12.09, 12pm - 1pm

02/09/2025

Baton of Hope: Mental Health awareness through Physical Activity 🎉

Join us for a day of fun, fitness, and connection as we shine a light on mental health through the power of movement!

Taster sessions available:
🎾 Pickleball 12pm-4pm
🏓 Table Tennis 12-4pm
🏸 Badminton 12-4pm
🥁Fitbeats 3pm-3,30pm

Whether you're a seasoned player or trying something new, these sessions are open to all ages and abilities and designed to get you moving, smiling, and connecting with others.

📅 Date: Sunday 7th September
📍 Location: Penrith Leisure Centre
🕒 Time: 12pm-4pm
🎟️ Free to attend and no booking required.

This event is part of the Baton of Hope movement, promoting mental health awareness and encouraging open conversations in our community. 💬

Come along, bring a friend, and take a swing for mental wellbeing! 🙌

01/09/2025

The countdown is on for the Age Friendly Festival at Kendal Leisure Centre, and we’ve got a fantastic line-up waiting for you!

From energising activities, volunteering fair, coffee morning to live entertainment, and plenty of opportunities to connect, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. 💃

📅 Sunday 5th October

Get ready to celebrate community, wellbeing, and fun in a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere.

Stay tuned for more details coming soon – we can’t wait to see you there!

Contact Katherine.Gatt@gll.org 📧

28/08/2025

Which weighs more? Muscle or fat? 🤔

Drop your guess below!

27/08/2025

Did you know? We team up with Age UK South Cumbria to bring fun, inclusive activity sessions to your local community! Whether you're looking to stay active, meet new people, or try something new — there's something for everyone! 💬💪

📍 Ulverston Leisure Centre
🎲 Games Session, Wednesdays, 10.45am–11.30am

📍 Kendal Leisure Centre
🏃‍♀️ 50+ Activity Club, Mondays, 2.30pm-5pm
⚽ Walking Football & Walking Netball, Tuesdays, 3.30pm-4.30pm
🎯 Boccia, 2nd & 4th Friday of each month, 11am-12pm

Come along, bring a friend, and get moving with us!

26/08/2025

Mark your calendars Health and Wellbeing Festivals!

Join us for a series of vibrant, community-focused events celebrating health, happiness and connection at your local leisure centres!

📅 6th September – Ulverston Charter Day
📌 Ulverston Town Centre

📅 7th September – Baton of Hope
📌 Penrith Leisure Centre

📅 5th October – Age Friendly Festival
📌 Kendal Leisure Centre

📅 19th October – Sunday Fun Day
📌 Penrith Leisure Centre

📅 19th October - Silver Sunday
📌 The Corro, Ulverston

📅 2nd November – Sunday Fun Day
📌 Kendal Leisure Centre

Expect fun activities, health resources, local organisations and something for all ages!

Tag someone you're bringing with you!

25/08/2025

Myth-Busting Monday 💬

Not everyone grieves the same way - and that’s okay. Some people bereaved by su***de find comfort in sharing memories and celebrating the life of their loved one. It’s a deeply personal journey, and every way of coping deserves respect.

🕯️ On Sunday 7th September, as the Baton of Hope passes through Cumbria, a quiet space will be available at Penrith Leisure Centre 12noon - 4pm. Whether you want to reflect, remember, or simply be present - you’re welcome.

Let’s support each other, however we choose to honour those we’ve lost.

Baton Of Hope UK

21/08/2025

Another successful planning meeting for the Baton of Hope event taking place at Penrith Leisure Centre on Sunday 7th September...less than 3 weeks to go! 🎉

If you haven't made it to our Penrith pool over the summer holidays don't worry - you can enjoy make a splash with family and friends for just £1pp as part of our Baton of Hope event on 7th September 🏊‍♂️💦

Tag who you're bringing with you in the comments 👇

Baton Of Hope UK
Westmorland and Furness Council
Every Life Matters
Growing Well
Eden Primary Care Network

20/08/2025

Wellness tip #47

Laughing burns calories 😄

So technically... if you laugh at your own workout attempts, you're still exercising. 💪

Whether you're doing Yoga or just trying to put on your gym socks without pulling a muscle, we see you, and we salute you. 😂

💬 What’s the funniest thing that’s ever happened to you while working out? Drop it below, we need a laugh!

We'll go first... Taking it back three years and going to work only to be told it's mandatory to wear a birthday hat all day to celebrate GLL's 30th birthday!

20/08/2025

We're so proud that Ian will be one of the baton bearers for the Baton of Hope's journey across Cumbria on the 7th September.

Drop in at Penrith Leisure Centre on Sunday 7th September to find more ways to move for better health.

Want to know more? Leave your question in the comments!

Ian, one of the Managers here at Appleby is taking part in the Baton of hope tour on the 7th September.

The Baton will start its journey at Sellafield Centre of Excellence in Cleator Moor and will work its way through Copeland, before heading to Penrith and then Carlisle finishing at the beautiful Carlisle Castle.

The Baton will stop at a few places where there are activities going on.

Penrith Leisure Centre is hosting one of these events. Why not come down see what the Baton of hope means to people?

Also Ian is an orange button holder...this means that if you are in need of someone to talk to, who will listen and support you in some of your darkest times, Ian is there, as are Better Health Westmorland & Furness Team.

Are you taking part in the tour or planning on going to any of the events?

Share your reasons why in the comments ⬇️

Find out more, visit https://brnw.ch/21wV3T1

19/08/2025

Kendal Leisure Centre is looking for a Full-Time Better Health Facilitator to join our team.

✅ Essential requirement: GP Referral Qualification
✅ Help people improve their health and wellbeing through exercise and lifestyle support
✅ Work closely with our community to inspire positive, lasting change

📍 Location: Kendal Leisure Centre
⏰ Hours: Full Time
📧 Apply at: https://jobs.better.org.uk/job/health-referral-facilitator-51?source=lm.facebook.com
📅 Deadline: 30th September

If you’re passionate about health, fitness, and making a real difference in people’s lives, we’d love to hear from you!

18/08/2025

On 7th September, Penrith Leisure Centre will host the Baton of Hope, a powerful national campaign raising awareness around su***de and promoting mental wellbeing 💛

Drop in between 12pm-4pm to connect with local organisations, have some quiet time to reflect on loved ones who have died by su***de, or try a new sporting skill to see how much exercise can boost mental wellness.

Let’s talk!

What’s one way movement has helped your mental health?

Share your story or your favourite feel-good activity in the comments 👇

Let’s inspire each other and show that no one has to struggle alone.