Everyone Active, who took over the management of North Herts leisure facilities in April, is asking residents to share their views in an online survey. 

The leisure provider wants to know people's opinions on physical activity and leisure opportunities available in their community.

It says the survey is a key part of Everyone Active’s strategy to improve residents’ mental and physical wellbeing.

Stretching beyond the leisure centres themselves, the survey is a new way for individuals to share their thoughts on what they would like to see within the community, considering their budgets, location and confidence levels when it comes to social interaction and fitness.

There are plans for members of the team to visit libraries, senior groups and other community clubs to spread word of the initiative and help those without access to technology complete the questionnaire.

Initially, the results of the survey will be used to target senior residents, individuals with learning disabilities and those in underserved communities, to improve accessibility to social groups for all.

Other initiatives, such as a menopause support group and youth activities, will then be explored to ensure residents of all ages and abilities have access to at least one community session tailored to their needs.

Many community groups established through the survey will include a social aspect after each session, to help improve people's mental wellbeing and reduce loneliness.

Kirsty Jones, area activity and wellbeing manager, said: "As we have recently begun our partnership with North Herts Council in running the district’s leisure and sporting facilities, we feel there is no better time to reach out to residents to find out what community initiatives they feel are missing from the area.

"Having successfully completed consultations like this in other parts of Hertfordshire, we know how vital they are in providing all residents with a voice when it comes to their mental and physical wellbeing.

"We are passionate about providing equal social and fitness opportunities for everyone, no matter their age or ability, and hope that through this initiative we can start to achieve this goal throughout North Hertfordshire."

Sarah Kingsley, North Herts Council's service director for place, said: "We’d like to encourage all North Herts residents to take part in the survey and give us feedback on the local leisure offer. This will improve our understanding of our communities' needs and views and help plan activities to meet their needs."

The survey is open to all North Herts residents and takes no longer than five minutes to complete. Visit tinyurl.com/2c6ywrd4 before May 31.