Inside the West Sussex rehabilitation service that is helping to keep people with long-term health conditions, injuries or disabilities moving

Active Worthing Wellbeing Centre CIC has grown from humble beginnings over the past six years and now offers classes at various venues in Worthing and Lancing for patients from Shoreham to Littlehampton.

The not-for-profit organisation was born out of a desire to support the 650 members of the rehabilitation gym at Rowans Day Centre, after it had to close due to the expansion of the day centre activities.

But Active Worthing launched in February 2020, just before the first Covid lockdown, and as a result had to build its membership base from scratch while desperately trying to find a new venue.

Enzo Manco, director, said: “We were very close to giving up. We love what we do and we knew it was important, so we tried to reconstruct and rebuild. We started running classes outside but the equipment had to be put into storage and we were struggling to find a new venue for the gym.”

Active Worthing helps people become more active to improve their health and wellbeing. The service focuses on long-term change, helping people build confidence, routine and a positive relationship with movement at a pace that works for them.

Enzo said: “The aim is simple – to help people move more, feel better and stay active in everyday life. It supports people who need a bit of extra help to get started with exercise, whether that is due to a long-term health condition, recovery from illness or injury, or low confidence with activity. People are referred in through healthcare professionals, so support can be tailored and appropriate for each individual.

“We encourage movement. It is for people of all ages who have had health issues or injuries. We are unique because we specialise in medical referrals. There is equipment in the gym that people in wheelchairs can use. It is a community and there is camaraderie.

“Sessions are inclusive and welcoming, and are led by specialist instructors who are experienced in supporting people with a wide range of abilities and health needs. Activities include gym-based support, strength and balance classes, chair-based exercise such as chair yoga and chair Pilates.

“Alongside the physical benefits, Active Worthing also supports mental wellbeing and social connection. Many participants find it helps reduce isolation and builds motivation through friendly group sessions.”

Active Worthing has built up over the past six years from small classes at Pond Lane Recreation Ground to a range of classes at various venues, including Lancing Methodist Church, Lancing Parish Hall, East Worthing Community Centre, Worthing High School, Palatine Park Clubhouse and Findon Valley Free Church.

A meeting with Sidney Walter Centre was the turning point for the gym. Finally, after three-and-a-half years, a home had been found – Active Worthing was able to rent gym time at the centre at first and six months later, introduced some of its own equipment to enhance the experience for members. Many of the classes are also now based there.

Enzo said: “We’ve helped thousands of individuals improve their physical and mental health through tailored classes and access to our gym. The gym is for resistance training to help people get stronger and prevent muscle depletion.

“We have got a great rapport with the hospitals and GPs but we get no funding from the NHS or the council. People pay a very small fee to join, or they can choose pay as you go.”

Visit activeworthing.co.uk for more information about the gym and email [email protected] if you are interested in volunteering.