A scheme giving people experiencing homelessness free access to an Oxford leisure centre is helping participants become more active, build confidence and feel more connected to their local community.
Leisure Solutions Community Trust (LSCT), which operates five leisure facilities in Oxford in partnership with Serco Leisure on behalf of Oxford City Council, has worked with the council to provide 30 people experiencing homelessness with six-month memberships at Ferry Leisure Centre.
The memberships provide full access to the centre’s gym facilities and classes, with participants not required to provide a formal address when registering. There are also no restrictions on how frequently they can use their membership.
The initiative is funded through the Leisure Community Fund, which provides in-kind funding to individuals and community groups to access leisure services for free.
The fund is designed to support priority groups identified by local authorities, including people who are less physically active.
Participants in the Oxford scheme were identified by Oxford City Council’s localities team through its outreach and engagement work.
Feedback gathered from participants suggests the scheme is having an impact beyond physical activity.
For some, access to the centre has provided an opportunity to establish a routine and reduce social isolation, while others have been able to take part in gym sessions and group classes. Participants with children have also been able to make use of free swimming for under-17s, allowing them to enjoy activities together as a family.
One participant said the opportunity to take his children swimming meant he could “feel like a good dad. A proper dad.”
Another participant said attending the gym had helped her feel stronger and more confident. That renewed confidence encouraged her to apply for a part-time job, which she has since successfully secured.
Adam Godwin, Active Communities Manager for LSCT, said the feedback from participants had been “inspiring”.
He added: “This scheme truly shows the importance of leisure centres as community hubs, where everyone is welcome, accepted and empowered to improve their lives.”
Councillor Mark Lygo, Cabinet Member for a Healthy, Fairer Oxford at Oxford City Council, said people experiencing homelessness could often feel isolated from society and key services.
He said the partnership with Serco Leisure helped people stay active and healthy while also helping them feel part of their local community and take the next steps in their journey.
The scheme remains open, with Oxford City Council continuing to work with LSCT across its Oxford sites to offer support to people experiencing homelessness.
The initiative highlights the wider role leisure centres can play in local communities, providing not only opportunities for exercise but also places where people can establish routines, meet others and access activities that might otherwise be out of reach.
