There are Xciting times ahead for West Lothian residents thanks to a Community Leisure Trust transforming lives for the better through its health and fitness programmes.
A registered Scottish charity, West Lothian Leisure (Xcite) delivered an impressive £14.4 million in social value through its services and programmes during 2023/2024.
This substantial achievement reflects its commitment to creating healthier, happier, and longer lives for communities across West Lothian.
Social value refers to the broader benefits that activities, services, or interventions create for individuals and communities, including improvements in physical and mental health, personal development, social well-being, and connectivity.
The charity’s newly published 2023/2024 annual review, has revealed that its social value includes significant reductions in healthcare costs, including £105,444 saved through fewer GP visits, £154,768 in reduced psychotherapy costs, £822,221 saved in Type 2 Diabetes care, £809,228 in dementia care savings, £460,269 saved by preventing hip fractures and £235,956 saved in coronary heart disease and stroke care.
The data was collated through an Integratis Consulting social value analysis report commissioned by West Lothian Leisure in May 2024.
The annual report 2023/24 shows that there were a record-breaking 2.6 million visits to West Lothian Leisure venues and services, including health and exercise referrals, high and low impact gym classes, swimming sessions, coaching sessions, racquet sports and golf sessions.
Highlights in the review include a 25 per cent increase in concessionary visits through the means-tested Access Xcite programme, a collaboration with West Lothian Council that provides discounted access to low-income families and those in receipt of certain benefits.
Additional highlights included the introduction of pioneering initiatives like the Fitness Factory, a structured programme designed to introduce 12 to 15-year-olds to a gym environment safely and effectively.
Among those who have benefited is 12-year-old Fleur Bunskoek, who joined the Fitness Factory to prepare for a downhill alpine ski race.
Fleur said: “The personalised programme created by the Xcite team helped me improve my core strength and balance, enabling me to win my race for the second year running. I feel stronger and more confident — it’s been a game-changer for me!”
Following her doctor’s recommendation, Active 65+ member Lizzie Woollams, joined Xcite to manage osteoarthritis in her knee. Now nearly 70, she attends classes four times a week and has seen remarkable improvements. Lizzie said: “I used to think gyms weren’t for me, but now I’m stronger, more active, and loving life. It’s a real community here.”
In 2023/24 West Lothian Leisure collaborated successfully with organisations such as Chest, Heart & Stroke Scotland, Parkinson’s UK, and Scottish Gymnastics with the Love to Move dementia support programme, ensuring a broader reach for those who need support the most.
Ben Lamb, CEO of West Lothian Leisure, said: “We are incredibly proud to deliver £14.4 million in social value, a testament to the dedication of our staff and volunteers, and the ongoing support from our partners, including West Lothian Council.
“These numbers aren’t just statistics—they represent lives changed for the better. Every pound saved for the health service represents lives improved, health preserved, and communities strengthened. This is what our mission, creating healthier, happier and longer lives in West Lothian is all about.
“We aim to continue growing participation and create opportunities for every West Lothian resident to enjoy the benefits of physical activity and wellbeing.”
For more information about West Lothian Leisure’s programmes, visit: www.westlothianleisure.com.
To access West Lothian’s Leisure’s 2023/2024 annual review, visit: https://online.flippingbook.com/view/343838640/