Zest Centre set to celebrate 10 years of making a difference in Sheffield

7th February 2014

A popular Sheffield centre aimed at improving the health and fitness of the local community, including people with disabilities, is set to celebrate its 10th Birthday next month.

The Zest Centre, based in Upperthorpe, is a social enterprise which encompasses a healthy living hub housing a swimming pool, gym, exercise studio, community cafe, plus a public library, advice service and IT drop in. As part of Zest's 10th Birthday celebrations, the Centre has been boosted by results of a recent report which has indicated that almost 75 per cent of customers travel from outside the local area to use the centre and more than half of all adult customers who are economically disadvantaged were able to access physical activities through schemes including the Slice Card. Janet Skirrow, chief executive of Zest, said: -Our centre was set up as a holistic service for the local Upperthorpe community and the whole of Sheffield. Since 2004 it has gone from strength to strength to become a valued asset which has brought cohesion to the local community. -We're committed to reducing health inequalities in disadvantaged communities and improving access to affordable sport and leisure for people of all ages. -We were recently awarded the Community Investment accolade at the Sheffield Business Awards and this was fantastic recognition for the hard work of our staff and volunteers as we look to acknowledge our 10th anniversary. -We are exceptionally proud of the work we do at Zest as people travel from across Sheffield for our unique offer and friendly, personal team. There really is something for everyone from ladies only gym sessions to disabled swimming, customers choose Zest because our services are tailored to specific needs. Zest for Sport, which is supported by a team of 15 volunteers, has engaged 2,200 young people since the programme launched in 2010. It recorded 5,881 attendances between April 2012 and March 2013, with 80 per cent of attending young people being from ethnic minority groups. During 2012 and 2013 the Zest Centre delivered 14 different health and wellbeing services including the Citywide Children's Weight Management Service for 7-15 year olds, Citywide Exercise Referral Scheme, workshops, health checks and training. Healthy Communities services, which feature Family Health Workshops, Love Your Heart courses and Women's Wellbeing courses, were attended by nearly 600 people, with more than 75 per cent coming from BME backgrounds. Zest also delivered the 12 week children's weight management service, Zest for Health, across the city, which saw most children record weight loss and increased physical activity. For more information about the Zest Centre, or to get involved, visit www.zestcommunity.co.uk or call 0114 270 2040.