Thanks to crucial funding from Catalyst, combined with other funding from Active Essex, Colchester Borough Council and the National Community Lottery Fund,  the Changing Lives gym has become a lifeline for over 200 free members, including individuals suffering from obesity, young carers suffering from isolation and people with disabilities.

Its resources and facilities have been instrumental with improving people’s physical health and creating a sense of belonging for those who might otherwise lack access to similar opportunities.

The funding from Catalyst has enabled Changing Lives to take on a new personal trainer to deliver high quality sessions and offer self-care support.

David Simmons, the co-Director of Changing Lives, said the impact is reflected in stories like Nina’s:  “She was struggling with isolation, poor mobility and extreme weight gain. Since joining the Changing Lives Gym and working with our personal trainer, she has improved her mobility, increased her strength, and regained her confidence. She now lifts heavier weights and feels much healthier, both physically and mentally.

“Similarly, Mathew’s life has been transformed. After losing his job and becoming homeless, he found a safe space at our gym. Unable to afford other gyms, Mathew built a routine, gained strength, and dramatically improved his mental well-being through the support of our community.”

Changing Lives has also extended its outreach through personal training sessions for homeless individuals with health problems at Beacon House and tailored health-based school programmes for Year 10s and 11s. David adds that across all its initiatives, participants have experienced remarkable improvements in their physical and mental health.

“These stories illustrate how this kind of funding reduces barriers to fitness and poor health, empowering individuals to thrive. At our gym, physical and mental well-being go hand in hand, making fitness accessible for all and creating a brighter future for them too.”