2
eastleigh.gov.uk
Our focus As a Council, we are focused on improving the quality of life of everyone living and working in the Borough, both now and in the future. The stories in this issue are themed around the key areas where we are making a positive difference to people’s lives.
2
Health and Wellbeing Improving health and wellbeing, and enabling, supporting and creating sustainable communities. We want all our residents and people working in the Borough to live long, healthy and happy lives.
Green Borough 4
Maintaining and creating an attractive and sustainable environment that residents value, and which can allow residents, businesses and nature to thrive.
Housing and Development 7
Creating homes and communities to meet residents’ needs. To help support a buoyant housing market, it is essential that there is a sufficient supply of suitable, high-quality homes that can meet the diverse needs of residents. Building new homes and communities provides opportunities for people looking for affordable rent, or a new home to meet their changing needs.
Economy 10
Securing sustainable economic growth, high and stable employment and a shared prosperity for residents. It is about ensuring every one of us has a good standard of living in strong, safe, sustainable communities.
HEALTH AND WELLBEING
We Are Undefeatable Eastleigh Campaign launches for those living with long-term conditions The national campaign, We Are Undefeatable, is funded by Sport England and aims to support and encourage ways to be active that work with each person’s condition, not against them. The campaign features a series of local case studies covering a range of conditions from ME (myalgic encephalomyelitis) to arthritis and depression. The team plans to work with targeted local groups to support projects to get more active, later in the year. The first of our ‘Eastleigh Undefeatables’ is Rosie from Boyatt Wood. Rosie has ME, lives with depression and battles with the stigma attached to invisible conditions. The ME can make exercise difficult as symptoms include muscle and joint pain. However, Rosie has recognised how beneficial exercise can be, especially for her depression, but also for ME when her body allows. “You can’t ever fully explain the positive difference it makes to your mental health. It is so easy to say it releases endorphins and you can be sceptical, but I can say, it really does.” Rosie has found connecting with the outdoors a mental health boost and uses Pokémon Go to extend walks and make them more exciting. She has discovered home Pilates during the pandemic and enjoys the fact it can be done in as little as 10 minutes.
Rosie knows her condition is unpredictable and inconsistent, but she is determined to keep exercising due to the benefits it brings her mind and body. Read Rosie’s story in full and learn more about the campaign eastleigh.gov.uk/wau If you have a long-term health condition and would be happy to share your story as to how you have kept active during the pandemic, please get in touch sportworks@eastleigh.gov.uk Photo: Rosie (pictured above) from Boyatt Wood
Make a splash at Wildern Pool Wildern Pool in Hedge End reopened in December 2020 after the completion of a major £1.2million refurbishment funded by the Council. The project included the completion of a new roof installed with eye catching coloured opaque cladding panels to provide natural lighting into the pool area. There is also a dedicated spectator seating area together with the replacement of the pool perimeter tiles. Whilst the pool was closed, Wildern Academy Trust also took the opportunity to refurbish the changing rooms.
Chair of Hedge End West End & Botley Local Area Committee, Cllr Cynthia Garton, said: “I’m absolutely thrilled that Wildern Pool reopened. This is really great news and will provide a bit of cheer for local people after such a difficult year. I’m really looking forward to seeing this great new community facility safely welcoming our customers back.” wildernleisurecentre.co.uk Picture: Wildern swimming pool
