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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I download the Mobile App?

To download the Magna Vitae Mobile App, all you need to do is click on one of links below for the Apple Store or Google Play.

What do the GAME sessions cost?

We are very lucky that the GAME sessions are being funded by the Sport England Together Fund. This means that the sessions are free for those attending.

Will you tell my child’s school or health professional about their attendance at GAME?

We would encourage families to have those conversations themselves, so that anyone providing medical or mental health support was aware of all the different ways that your child may be accessing support. We will not be contacting schools or health professionals for every child attending, or at every session. Where there could be benefit to us communicating with others externally, we would ask for your permission first, and still encourage those conversations to be led by yourself and your child. Safeguarding would be the only reason for possibly sharing of information without informing the family first, in line with our safeguarding policies.

Do you have policies for safeguarding and health & safety?

GAME sessions will be run by appropriately trained and qualified team members, who have experience with working with children and young people. Gym inductions will be carried out by team members with relevant fitness instructing qualifications.

DBS checks are carried out on all team members.

We will be following Magna Vitae’s health & safety and safeguarding policies as relevant to the sessions. Copies of these policies can be requested to view.

We also have a policy specific to GAME related safety topics.

Can I attend with my child to GAME sessions?

Parents and guardians are welcome to drop off and collect their child. We can arrange where requested for yourself and your child to meet the team and have a tour of the venue. We can work with parents and guardians to help their child to settle into the GAME sessions. As there are other young people attending, and in line with our safeguarding policies, any requests extending beyond dropping off would be on a case-by-case basis. The sessions are designed to help the young to take an independent approach to choosing how to stay active and to socialise.

What does a young person need to bring with them to GAME?

A young person will need to bring a water bottle with them. If they will be choosing to go swimming, they will need an appropriate swimming outfit, a towel and a one pound coin for the lockers. They should be wearing comfortable clothes, suitable for being active, with trainers.

Every young person should also bring with them any medications needed in an emergency, such as inhalers, or any medications that are due to be taken at the times they are within the GAME sessions.

What happens during the GAME sessions?

At each GAME session, the young people will meet in a designated area of the venue and sign in. They will be given a choice of going to swim, use the gym, or take part in an instructed, group physical activity. The physical activity offered can change at each session. The physical activity will last one hour. For the remaining time, the young people will meet back up again afterwards, to be able to socialise and talk.

Can you provide my young person with a diagnosis / referral letter / medication?

We aim to help promote healthy coping mechanism for emotional wellbeing, including staying active and being social. However, we are not a professional mental health provision. Our team are trained in mental health, but they are not qualified medical professionals. As such, with the informal help we are offering, we are not able to provide a diagnosis, complete referral letters or to prescribe any medications. This group is to be viewed as providing informal, low-level support to young people, and should not be used as a substitute to any recommended professional medical or mental health appointments, or any treatment plans that may be recommended. Our groups may complement any existing treatment plans, by providing free ways to stay active that may help to promote a more positive sense of wellbeing.

My child has a medical condition, additional need or allergy

Please make sure that we are aware of all medical needs, additional needs including emotional or mental health conditions, allergies and medications on the booking form. If further information is required, a member of the team will contact the family to discuss.

When your child attends, please make sure that they bring any inhalers or medications that would be required in an emergency with them. Team members should be made aware of any medications or inhalers brought with the young person, especially if they will need help to be administered in an emergency.

What information does the booking form for GAME require?

The booking form will ask for the young person’s name, date of birth, address, parent or guardian phone number, parent or guardian email address, and a secondary emergency contact name and number. The form will also ask about any additional or medical needs, including allergies or mental health or emotional wellbeing needs. The form will also ask for the name of your child’s school, if they have attended any of our venues before, first aid consent, photo consent and travelling home alone consent. Lastly, by completing the form you are confirming that the young person can work independently as described in the FAQ’s.

How to sign up to the GAME sessions?

Please complete the booking form for the GAME sessions. Booking is not automatic, and a member of the Magna Vitae team will contact you to either discuss your young person’s needs, or to confirm their start date and time. Spaces need booking due to limited spaces and to be able to ensure we can meet the needs of all those attending. Unfortunately, young people who arrive with no booking confirmation might be turned away from sessions.

Please wait to be contacted by a member of Magna Vitae’s GAME team to confirm successful sign up and any start date information.

What does independently mean within GAME sessions?

Our free GAME sessions are to encourage being active and are not to be considered as a childcare session. We welcome young people both with and without any additional needs, including needs relating to their emotional and mental health. Due to the structure and aims of the group, the young people will be expected to be able to take part in activities safely, without one to one or parental support.

Examples of when a young people would need to be independent during the GAME sessions are: The choosing of the physical activity they take part in each session, returning back to base area after their chosen activity independently, any changing, personal hygiene needs or toilet needs during their time at the venue, being able to swim independently and safely (if they choose to go swimming), following the same rules as are set for the general public.

For young people where the booking form has given consent for a young person to leave alone, the young person needs to be considered by the parent or guardian as mature enough to travel home safely. Where the booking form has given consent for a young person to leave unattended, the young person will be able to leave straight after the activity has finished. It is the responsibility of the parent or guardian to discuss with the young person if they are allowed to leave alone, or any arrangements for collection.

What are the other requirements for taking part in GAME?

  • The young person needs to be aged between 13 – 17 years of age.
  • The young person needs to be able to take part in physical activities and move around the venue independently.

Who is GAME for?

GAME has been designed to support young people who may need some informal support or encouragement with their emotional health or emotional wellbeing. This could be a young people with lower confidence levels, anxiety or other low level mental health or emotional wellbeing needs.

What is GAME?

GAME stands for Get Active Move Every day.

GAME is a free and funded group for young people aged 13- 17 years of age. Our aims are to help young people to stay active, to meet up and be active with other young people and to promote emotional health and wellbeing.

My child has a medical condition, allergy, medication?

If your child has a medical condition, allergy, takes any medication, or has an ECHP plan from school, please make us aware on the booking system and on any food order form (if allergy / food related).

The HAF team will review this information before the day your child attends, to make sure that we can provide the best experience for your child, and to make any relevant staff aware. Letting us know this information in advance can help us to make the club a better experience for your child.

What does each day involve in the HAF Programme?

Every HAF session with Magna Vitae will involve active sessions, a free meal, food education and crafts. The sports or crafts will vary depending on the session and venue.

What does my child need to wear when attending the HAF Programme?

Please dress your child in comfortable, casual clothes suitable for active sessions, the weather, and that you don’t mind getting messy from any crafts or food. Your child will also need to bring a coat, and preferable be wearing trainers.

What drinks will be provided during the HAF Programme?

Water will be provided at all HAF venues and dates. Water bottles can also be refilled during the sessions. We ask where possible that children only bring water or milk with them to drink.

What food will be provided during the HAF Programme?

A healthy meal will be provided at every HAF session. Food menus will be sent out to all those with confirmed bookings before the day.  Any allergies or food preferences should be noted on the booking form and on the food ordering form.

How to book the HAF Programme?

Please use the link provided with your child’s Evoucher code to book using the online booking system. You will be able to see all HAF venues, providers and spaces available on this booking system.

 

What are the ages for the HAF programme?

Funding for the HAF programme covers ages 5-16 years. The ages able to attend each HAF programme can vary. Please see the booking system for the ages allowed at each venue or provider.

Magna Vitae’s HAF teen programme is for 14 – 16 years.

What happens if I miss a lesson due to illness?

We appreciate that illness can happen, especially with little ones. Sadly we are not able to refund missed classes as your child’s space is held regardless of attendance. This is to ensure that your Childs space is always guaranteed. If your child is going to be off for a significant period of time, please do contact us so we can discuss options.

How do I cancel my membership?

If you have a membership with Magna Vitae you are required to give one calendar months notice to cancel. You will need to fill in one of the forms through the link below to cancel your membership.

How much are the lockers?

When you are visiting one of our venues, the lockers take a refundable £1 coin or trolley token.

At Meridian Leisure Centre in Louth, if you wish to use the Health Suite changing rooms, please note these are padlocked lockers. This means that you will need to bring a padlock with you to use the lockers.

Please note all lockers are emptied regularly to avoid custom keeping their belonging in a locker.

Why are the hand dryers out of action?

A hand dryer runs the risk of being too slow and people not drying their hands properly. When it comes to hand drying methods, the most important thing to remember is that they are simply dry. Wet hands can transfer germs more easily than dry ones, (it’s reported up to 1000 times more easily), so we need to make sure our hands are properly dry after washing them.

More information on this can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/wuhan-novel-coronavirus-infection-prevention-and-control/reducing-the-risk-of-transmission-of-covid-19-in-the-hospital-setting

I’m concerned about the air flow / air con units in the gym. Is it safe?

 

We have followed all guidance to make sure our centres are safe. The maximum occupancy of each indoor facility will be limited by providing a minimum of 100sqft per person. Reducing capacity in this way whilst sustaining ventilation flows, will increase the typical current 10l/s/p flow rate of ventilation to at least 20l/s/p, as fewer people are being served by the ventilation system.

Ventilation systems will provide 100% fresh air and not recirculate air from one space to another.

What guidance are you following?

We are following guidance from registered bodies within the fitness industry including the Government, Community Leisure UK and UK Active.

The framework from UK Active for the re-opening of gym, leisure centre and wider fitness industry during social distancing can be found here.

 

What do I need to do if I would like to come swimming?

You will need to pre-book your swimming session via our online portal.

Please note that:

  • You will need to arrive on time, not early for your session
  • You will need to bring your MV card with you to register at reception
  • You will need to follow our one-way system
  • You will need to arrive swim ready – in your costume as no changing facilities will be available for you to use
  • There will be limited toilet prevision

Membership Price – will this be reduced due to limited service?

Everything is still subject to change at this moment in time. The MV charity is endeavouring to keep you as informed as we can.

At present all membership (DD) remains frozen and money is not being taken from your accounts. Annual memberships will be extended by the days the venue has been closed, once you return to use the venue.

We only need you to confirm reactivation of your payments to enable the booking slot system we have developed to function properly at this stage.

We will inform you when we are due to start taking payments again in due course.

There will be a period of grace when you first start back, where no payment is taken at all. This will cover off previous days lost in March when the lockdown started and hopefully a little more to say thank you for coming back so quickly.

The charity is trying to be as reasonable as possible in this regard. We hope that you agree, this has been a difficult time for many.

Please be minded you are all valued customers, you have been a loyal customer as you have not cancelled & we truly respect this. With this in mind, we have worked incredibly hard to get to a position where it is safe to open for staff and our members. At this time, without your continued support the charity would find it very difficult to continue to operate and provide any service, more especially delivering to the quality standard to which you have become accustomed over the years.

Your membership matters to us, hopefully you can see and appreciate the lengths we have gone to, & the measures we have taken, to ensure your safe use when you return.

We have developed an online booking portal, the gym can now be joined via this system and you can also book & cancel group exercise sessions via this system.

We have introduced a variety of virtual offers through TV.FIT for you to use whilst we have been closed so that members can keep their bodies and minds healthy. This offer has been extended and will now continue through until September 20th even when once we have reopened.

Our own experienced and qualified staff have also started using Facebook Live to provide virtual workouts “live” and also as a recorded “back catalogue” in more recent weeks. You can now exercise with us any time & anywhere!!

As a local charity we rely on our community, your buy-in and support, this is so so important to us right now. We appreciate that your health has never been more important!!

What if my child doesn’t like the activities?

We encourage all children to have a go at the activities, even if they don’t like it or feel they are bad at it. We don’t force children to take part but if they don’t want to join in we ask them to  assist in other ways like keeping score and setting out equipment.

We always involve children and no child will ever be left out!

Will my child be looked after properly?

Of course! Our delivery team are experienced, qualified and are fully trained. Each member of staff holds a valid DBS check and is trained in First Aid.

What if my child doesn’t know anyone?

We encourage children to mix with each other right from the start and we never leave anyone out. Our first games and activities are icebreakers, ideal for those children who may not know anyone.

What does my child need to bring with them?

Your child will need lunch, a water bottle (preferably refillable), snacks, sun hat and sun cream and a waterproof coat (which hopefully we won’t need to use!)

Is the astroturf open to the public?

Yes, the public can book the astroturf for football and hockey. We are very busy through the winter months so availability is limited. Please contact us on 01507 605968 to arrange bookings. Whether, these are one off or blocks we will accommodate where possible.

I want to hold an event at London Road Pavilion, can I do this?

Yes, we hold several events per year, and we are happy to work with the public and commercial companies to put these in place. All events are arranged and organised on an individual basis. Contact us to discuss in more detail on 01507 605968.

Do I need to be a club member to use London Road Pavilion?

No, we offer all of our facilities and services to the community as well as being a “home” base for  clubs. Contact us to find out about availability and offers on 01507 605968.

How do I get involved in the sports activities at London Road Pavilion?

The best way to become involved is to join one of the home clubs. Louth Old Boys, Louth Hockey Club, and Louth Cricket Club are all based here.

Can I book a football pitch?

Yes, as long as we have availability and weather conditions allow for your booking to go ahead.

Do you hire out the function room?

Yes, you can book this out for parties, meetings, corporate events & more! Prices start from as little as £15.80 per hour including bar and kitchen facilties. Give us a ring to find out more information on 01507 605968

What temperature are your swimming pools?

Meridian Leisure Centre

Our main pool is 29 degrees and our leisure pool (baby pool) is 31 degrees.

Horncastle Pool & Fitness Suite

Our pool is 29 – 30 degrees

Skegness Pool & Fitness Suite

Our pool is 29 – 30 degrees

Can I check what bookings I have made?

Yes, you will be able to see all of your bookings and you will receive a confirmation email for each booking you make through our booking portal.

How long do I have to complete the online booking?

You will have a 10 minute window to complete your booking before the space becomes available for someone else.

Who do I contact if something goes wrong?

Please contact the facility where you are making the booking.

Can I cancel or transfer my session?

For swimming pool bookings we are operating on a non-transferable and non-refundable policy. For other bookings, a 48 hour cancellation policy applies.

Why is this only available to members?

Our members pre-pay for the activities that they enjoy at our leisure facilities.

Watch this space!

Book & pay online will be coming soon…

How do I receive my online booking details?

Please contact reception at your nearest centre to  collect your login details.

The doctor has referred me to come to the gym, how do I start?

We run sessions for referrals from your gp. Once we have received your referral letter one of our consultants will call you to book a consultation. This option is £45 for 3 months and then you can choose to do £23.50 a month by direct debit for the next 9 months.

Find out more on our Exercise Referral page.

Do you offer personal training sessions and how much are they?

Yes we do, each site has their own Personal Trainers, speak to reception to get their prices.

Can I have a programme made for my specific needs to use in the gym?

We can do that, all we ask is for you to contact reception so that they can book you in with one of our consultants on a day and time to suit. This is included as part of your membership.

How much do I have to pay for an MV Card subscription?

An MV card is £5 for an annual subscription, this gives you discount to activities within the Magna Vitae venues. You can join by going to the Join@Home portal. If you need a replacement card, then MV Cards are £1 each.

I have forgotten my MV card, can I still get the discount?

Unfortunately you need to have your MV card with you to receive the discount at our centres.

Am I eligible for an MV Card?

Anyone within the East Lindsey area is eligible for an MV card. When providing your details for an MV card, you will need to purchase an annual subscription of £5 to receive discount at our venues. You can now sign up to an MV Card through our Join Now portal

 

Please note; the physical MV card is provided free of charge initially, if you lose or misplace this it will be £1 for a replacement.

Do I have to become a member to use the gym?

No you can use the gym “pay as you go”, you will need to pay for your induction then pay each time you come in. If you would like to participate in an exercise class whilst you are at the venue you will need to pay for this seperately.

Do you do a monthly membership for those working in area?

There is an option for a non-contract membership.  Take a look at our membership packages.

Why do I need an induction if I’ve used gyms elsewhere?

Joining the gym allows access to all of our equipment which can be different from other sites. The first, most important part of the induction is to make sure you know how to use and are comfortable with all of our equipment.

We find that a large number of customers have used gyms before but not necessarily achieved the results they would like, our helpful and qualified staff will assist you to get the most out of your sessions and to make them goal based and enjoyable.

After the initial induction we offer free follow ups to members so that we can design a programme specific to your needs.

I’ve never been to your facility before or used a gym & I’m nervous. Would somebody show me around and what to do?

Drop in to our venues at anytime and someone will be more than happy to give you a tour and get you booked in to have an induction.

Don’t worry! We will show you how to use all of our equipment and design a programme to meet your needs.

How old do you have to be to use the sauna & steam Room?

The age limit  for these is 16 years and over.

What clothing can I wear in the swimming pool?

What are your swimming pool rules and regulations?

For site specific rules & regulations or for more detail please contact the relevant venue.

Our Safe Swim Policy applies.

Do you do children’s parties?

Yes, we have a range of activities for children’s parties, take a look at our Birthday Party page to find out more.

Do you have adult only swimming sessions?

Yes we do! Check out our Swimming page to find out more.

Do you sell swimwear?

Yes, we have a selection of swimwear and accessories to buy ranging from costumes to swim nappies. We can also order in items if sizes or styles aren’t available.

How many children can I take swimming with me?

Any 16 year old and above can take 2 under 8’s in the swimming pool with them. If the child is 8 or older they can use our swimming pools unsupervised.

Safe Swim Policy

Do you offer lane swimming?

We offer a variety of swimming sessions, check out our Swimming page to find out more?

Do you have to be a member or MV card holder to use the swimming pool?

No, everyone can use our swimming pools.

What exercise classes do you offer?

We offer a variety of exercise classes, have a look at our Exercise Class page to see what you can do at your nearest venue.

Are exercise classes free with membership?

Yes exercise classes are free with memberships. If you do not have a membership and you want to do exercise classes, you can pay per class.

Do I have to pay at the time of booking?

All bookings must be paid for at the time of booking. Payment can be made by card, cash or cheque.

What times are the facilities open?

Check out our venues’ pages for opening times.

Is there a car park for customers?

All of our venues have parking facilities to find out more go to our venues’ pages.

Do you have disability access?

All of our venues have disability access.  There are wide corridors & doors, lifts and our swimming pools have beached areas or have access steps and hoists.

Will your venues be affected during school holidays?

Some of the normal sessions may not be running during school holidays. Check out our holiday timetables to find out more or contact your venue.

What age does my baby need to be before I take him/her swimming?

We advise you to wait until your baby has had its 12 week injections before you bring them swimming.

Why is swimming so good for you?

30 minutes of activity is worth 45 minutes of the same activity on land due to the resistance of the water making your body work harder. The water also holds your weight so swimming is great for people who require low impact exercise.

Why is learning to swim so important?

Swimming is a life skill. As 75% of our planet is water, it is vital that young people are given the opportunity to learn to swim for their own safety. Swimming is also one of the safest and most popular forms of exercise. It is a whole family activity, one that we participate in during our free time, whilst on holiday, at the beach and at our local pool. By learning to swim and getting the essentials right at an early age, a child is more likely to enjoy swimming in the future.

ASA Learn to Swim Parents Guide – ASA Foundation Framework P3

Do I need to let the swimming teacher know about medical conditions and illnesses?

When booking into swimming lessons please let us know if your child has any medical conditions. Your child should not attend swimming lessons if they have ear infections, infectious diseases, open wounds or sore eyes. We also advise you do not swim 48 hours after a sickness bug.

How long do I need to wait after eating to swim?

We do not advise you to swim on a full stomach, do not eat in the hour you are coming swimming. If children are coming straight from school for swimming lessons they may need a small snack to maintain energy levels.

What do I need for my swimming lesson?

  • Swimming costume/trunks/shorts
  • Towel
  • Shampoo & shower gel
  • Hair clips/hair bands
  • Swimming cap if desired
  • Goggles
  • Armbands (if child has their own)

How long will it take a swimmer to pass each stage?

This will vary depending on skills and experience, if they started in an adult and child session they may move faster initially as they are familiar with the framework. Some children are also more naturally competent and confident in the water so will progress faster.

Why are some swimmers in the group given different activities?

This will depend on their strengths and weaknesses to help the teachers focus on their individual needs

What should I expect from each swimming lesson?

The lessons are led by a Swim England (formerly ASA) qualified swimming teacher with a class including a maximum of 12 swimmers. The teacher will provide a variety of fun based activities to help the swimmers learn new skills and provide feedback and instruction to help each individual swimmer develop. As the lessons progress the teacher will record this and let you know when they have completed all outcomes for that stage and the child is awarded a badge and moved into a new class where available.

Is the paediatric course the full qualification I need to work in a child care environment and is it OFSTED approved?

Yes, attending the 2 day Paediatric First Aid course will give you full certification requirement for all child care jobs.

If I fail the lifeguard assessment, can I re-take it?

Yes, you get 28 days from the original assessment day to re-take. The course trainer will give you more information on this should you fail.

Does the first aid course give you a certified qualification?

Yes, you will be qualified for 2 years. After this you will need to renew the qualification. Providing you renew before your current one expires this will be a shorter renewal course.

Do your course fees include the course material and assessment fees?

Yes, this is all included within the enrolment and course fees.

Is there a written paper involved in the assessment?

NPLQ, First Aid, AED and Paediatrics do not have any written tests involved in the assessment process. It is all verbal and practical assessments.

Do your courses include AED (defibrillator) training?

The trainer who is running the course will state whether they are including AED (defibrillator) within their course content. If they are, this will mean you will be certified to use the AED for 3 years upon successful completion of the assessment.

Do I have to attend every day?

Yes, the length of the course is set to ensure you attend the minimum training hours required.

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