A scheme targeting inactivity among people who need it most will be launched in Trafford this April.

The initiative was developed following a review of the current leisure pass scheme – which offers concessions to Trafford’s seven leisure centres – found that it was not encouraging certain target populations to exercise.

The two-year review by leisure consultants, Knight Kavanagh Page, found that people who would benefit most from the leisure pass – such as the obese, those with diabetes or heart conditions – were not using it to improve their levels of activity.

Trafford Community Leisure Trust has consequently revamped and expanded the initiative.

The new Active Trafford leisure pass will target needy groups through a new referral scheme in partnership with local agencies such as hospitals, sports development, schools, nurses and doctors.

A leisure pass co-ordinator will liaise with referral partners to offer free access to Trafford’s leisure centres to anyone who would benefit from exercise. Roadshows and outreach work will also be used help get people involved in exercise through the referral scheme.

A major aim of Active Trafford is prevention and as such, it will also encourage people to exercise before they develop the health problems associated with inactivity.

Bernie Jones, chief executive of Trafford Community Leisure Trust, said the initiative will make it easier for individuals in need to exercise: “The scheme gives us the tools to start to tackle areas where inactivity is a major problem by allowing us to effectively deliver the benefits of physical activity to those who need it most.”

Run in conjunction with Trafford Council, the £70,000 scheme is being funded entirely by the trust.