A charitable trust which operates leisure facilities in Suffolk has outlined its vision for the future as it enters its second decade.

South Suffolk Leisure (SSL) was formed in 2006 to manage the Kingfisher Leisure Centre in Sudbury and Hadleigh Swimming Pool, and the trust now operates six facilities across the Babergh district.

The aim of the trust’s strategic plan is to set out a clear vision for the next five to ten years in supporting the community to stay active.

The latest government strategy – DCMS Sporting Future – aims to tackle the flat-lining levels of sport participation and high levels of inactivity in the country, and SSL’s says its work is closely aligned to these aims.

SSL, which also runs sports centres in Holbrook and East Bergholt, states its vision is to improve the health and wellbeing of the community, with a mission of providing quality facilities and services in the community which promote a healthy lifestyle.

The trust has outlined its aims as: To be recognised as an excellent employer, to provide accessible facilities and deliver excellent service, to work with partners to encourage healthy living and to be financial sustainable in order to achieve our vision

Tim Mutum, SSL chairman, said: “SSL are proud of what we have achieved since the trust was formed in 2006 and even more excited about what the future holds.

“We are currently working on investment plans for our two key facilities. SSL is committed to supporting our community to get active and stay active.”

Councillor Margaret Maybury, Babergh’s cabinet member for communities, said: “Easy access to sports and leisure facilities is vital for our communities.

“Physical activity not only helps people stay fit, it encourages well-being and fights mental illness too.

“That is why we at Babergh have put such emphasis on active communities and why we support SSL to deliver facilities across our district.

“Babergh will work closely with SSL to support improvement of their facilities over the coming months and years, which will help our communities stay healthy.”

For more information on South Suffolk Leisure, visit www.ssleisure.co.uk