Oxford leisure centres open doors to homeless residents

Leisure Solutions Community Trust (LSCT), which operates five leisure facilities in Oxford in partnership with Serco Leisure on behalf of Oxford City Council, is offering six-month free memberships to individuals experiencing homelessness.

The scheme provided unrestricted access to Ferry Leisure Centre for 30 people in Oxford, offering full use of all facilities and classes without requiring a fixed address.

Funding for the programme was provided by the Leisure Community Fund, which provides in-kind funding to individual and community groups to access services for free and aims to support priority groups who have lower activity levels, and priority groups highlighted by the Local Authorities.

Participants were identified through outreach and engagement by Oxford City Council’s localities team.

Adam Godwin, Active Communities Manager for LSCT, said: “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.

“We’re very grateful to Active Communities and Oxford City Council for funding this scheme.

“Their commitment to supporting people from every sector of society is an admirable one.

“This scheme truly shows the importance of leisure centres as community hubs, where everyone is welcome, accepted and empowered to improve their lives.”

Feedback from participants indicated the memberships supported increased physical activity and social engagement, with some using the opportunity to take children swimming with the free swimming for under 17s offer.

Others described how access to the centre helped reduce isolation, establish routines, and build confidence – support that one individual credited with securing a part-time job.

The scheme remains active, and the Council continues to collaborate with LSCT to provide support to more individuals experiencing homelessness across its network of Oxford leisure sites.

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.”

LSCT was previously known as More Leisure Community Trust.