DORCHESTER Sports Centre has backed a volunteering scheme supporting people with learning disabilities.

The Community Credit Scheme run by Volunteer Centre Dorset offers people with learning disabilities the chance to contribute to their communities and earn credits that can be used at local leisure facilities.

Volunteer buddies enable them to carry out the work and also receive credits as part of the scheme.

Dorchester Sports Centre, which is operated by 1610, has become the latest facility to sign up to the scheme, allowing volunteers who build up credits the chance to buy an activity of their choice at the centre.

Volunteer Centre Dorset’s project coordinator Siobhan Davis said: “We are delighted that a community minded organisation such as 1610, which manages Dorchester Sports Centre, is getting involved in the scheme.

“Many people with learning disabilities have been hit hard by recent financial cuts so if they get access to a swimming pool or gym for an hour by volunteering then they not only enhance their life skills, but they are able to keep fit and healthy too.

“The scheme has worked very well in Dorset and we need more organisations such as 1610 to embrace community credits as it makes such a difference to the lives of people with learning disabilities.”

For more details on the scheme contact Siobhan on 01305 269214 or s.davis@volunteeringdorset.org.uk<&eh>