The Wellness Hub launched in 2022, expanding from a modest studio into one of the largest power-assisted exercise facilities in the UK with 22 pieces of Innerva power-assisted exercise equipment and a Lifestyle studio for low-impact classes such as Tai Chi and chair-based exercises. The £180,000 investment, funded by Sport England, North East Lincolnshire Council and Lincs Inspire, more than doubled capacity.
Use of the facility has grown year on year, enabling Lincs Inspire to increase its health partner reach, attract new members and generate income that helps to support sustainability.
A thriving membership
Lincs Inspire’s flagship Active Forever programme is a 12-week exercise referral scheme for individuals living with long-term conditions such as arthritis, cancer, cardiovascular disease and long Covid, to name but a few.
Referred by healthcare professionals or through self-referral, clients receive 24 vouchers to use in the hub as well as the gym, pool and group exercise studio. Reviews at four, eight and 12 weeks ensure sustained engagement, with many participants transitioning to an ‘Active Forever’ membership, which offers ongoing access to facilities at a reduced cost to a standard membership. The programme’s popularity has grown significantly, thanks to word of mouth from satisfied participants as well as ongoing engagement with the local healthcare community.
The Active Forever referral scheme currently costs £60 for 12 weeks, which most people fund themselves, while the discounted Active Forever membership currently costs £27 per month. For those struggling financially, Lincs Inspire has successfully secured grant funding to support some subsidised places for those residents most in need.
The Wellness Hub now supports more than 1,120 members. As of November 2024, the hub had 1,120 subscription members, including many loyal members who have regularly attended for over a decade. In October 2024, the hub received an impressive 3,772 visits. Increasing demand has led to extended opening hours, with the facility opening from 7am to 8pm or 9pm on weekdays and 9am to 5pm at the weekend.
Lincs Inspire was recently awarded £324,454 over three years from the National Lottery Community Fund to help those who are living with a long-term medical condition, disability or age-related mobility challenges. Part of this funding will help provide further subsidised access to the Active Forever health referral programme.
1120
Wellness Hub Members
22
Innerva machines
3372
Visits in November 2024
Collaboration with local health professionals
Since 2017 Lincs Inspire has worked with and developed strong partnerships with healthcare providers, engaging with local GPs, occupational therapists, physiotherapists and specialist nurses. Health Improvement co-ordinator, Ian Shorley-Harlow has regular meetings with healthcare professionals, inviting them to tour the Wellness Hub to get a better understanding of power-assisted exercise and how it can help improve patient outcomes. These efforts have helped to gain the trust of medical professionals and are key to encouraging a regular pipeline of referrals – the Wellness Hub received 135 referrals in October 2024.
“Our membership and referral rate is steadily growing, but we have to constantly keep it up. I’ve scheduled quarterly visits with local GP surgeries for the coming year and am engaging with physiotherapists, occupational therapists, medical centres and hospitals. The more we get out into the community and demonstrate the work we do, the more trust and confidence we build with healthcare partners, which encourages them to refer more patients to us,” says Shorley-Harlow.
He and the wellness team also host Discovery Days with other local charities and healthcare groups such as Age UK, the Alzheimer’s Society and the Respiratory Rehabilitation Service, where the public can take part in free taster sessions while also benefiting from information from the wellness team and local health professionals.
He and the wellness team also host Discovery Days with other local charities and healthcare groups such as Age UK, the Alzheimer’s Society and the Respiratory Rehabilitation Service, where the public can take part in free taster sessions while also benefiting from information from the wellness team and local health professionals.
The trust hosted its second Wellbeing Fair this year, which attracted 34 exhibiting organisations and support groups, from dementia charities and walking groups to suicide support groups and a local pharmacist who provided flu and Covid vaccinations on the day. The event was a huge success and is now held annually.
Building strong social connections
Recognising that health is more than the physical, the Wellness Hub fosters a strong sense of community.
“For many people, the social aspect of the hub is more important than the physical activity it offers. A lot of individuals present with mental health issues or even just weight gain, which has led to unhappiness and caused them to have become withdrawn and isolated. The Wellness Hub offers an avenue to get back out into the community and re-engage,” says Shorley-Harlow.
Many members use the Wellness Hub on the same day and at the same time each week, which helps to form strong friendships that extend beyond the centre, with groups regularly organising social activities.
“The social element is enormous. One group has planned a short break to Blackpool and an elderly couple who met at the hub are now engaged.”
Keeping the momentum going
To ensure it maintains momentum, Lincs Inspire plans to upskill staff to deliver Level 4 cardiac rehabilitation and will expand its pre- and postnatal services in partnership with local midwives and children’s centres.
Lincs Inspire really is bridging the gap between healthcare and fitness. As Shorley-Harlow says: “All of our members benefit physically, mentally, socially or emotionally from the Wellness Hub and our services. We are constantly moving forward, ensuring our members and the wider community reap the rewards of what we offer.”