Oxford’s gym scheme brings the homeless into the community

A scheme offering free leisure centre access to people experiencing homelessness in Oxford has been hailed a success.

Oxford City Council and Leisure Solutions Community Trust have launched a new scheme that allows people with no fixed address to use Ferry Leisure Centre.

Funded by the Leisure Community Fund, the council have given individuals a membership that lasts six months and gives them access to the gym, fitness classes and the swimming pool. 

People involved in the programme were found by the council’s localities team through engagement work. 

As well as helping people’s fitness levels, the scheme also helped individuals create a daily routine and reduce feelings of loneliness.  

In one instance, a participant credited attending the gym with giving them the confidence to apply for a part-time job, which they went on to secure.

Others took advantage of the free swimming offer for under-17s, using the facilities with their children.

Councillor Mark Lygo, Cabinet Member for a Healthy, Fairer Oxford, Oxford City Council, said: ‘People who are experiencing homelessness can often feel isolated from society and key services.

‘This partnership with Serco Leisure not only helps people to stay active and healthy which is vital for us all, but it also helps them to feel a part of their local community and to take the next steps in their journey. Oxford City Council is proud to support this scheme and our local community.

Adam Godwin, Active Communities Manager for Leisure Solutions Community Trust, which operates the centre in partnership with Serco, added: ‘The feedback we’re receiving from the scheme’s participants is inspiring. Like the parent who was thankful, as he can now take his children swimming, and ‘feel like a good dad. A proper dad.’ Then there’s a lady who told me that thanks to attending the gym, she’s feeling stronger and more confident in general. Her renewed confidence spurred her on to apply for a part-time job, which she has since successfully secured.’

Image: Marcus Ng/UnSplash 

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