New Gym Access Scheme Strengthens Community Well‑Being in Splott

A new gym‑access initiative led by Clara Mountford Jones, a Met Community (Cardiff Met Sport) staff member, is helping refugees, asylum seekers, and local residents in Splott build healthier lifestyles and stronger connections across the community.

Growing Demand Sparks Action

Community consultation at Oasis Splott revealed that gym activity and swimming were among the most requested opportunities. While exploring options, Clara identified that the national Better Health scheme, widely believed by local staff to have ended, was still active and available to refugees and asylum seekers.

“Many people we spoke to thought the scheme had stopped. Realising it was still running meant we could immediately support more individuals,” Clara said.

With the misunderstanding resolved, Oasis staff began successfully referring eligible participants to the programme.

More Inclusive Access Through Partnership

For those who did not qualify for the national scheme, Clara collaborated with the STAR Hub (GLL) to provide weekly gym access funded by Met Community/ Cardiff Met Sport in partnership with Oasis.

The STAR Hub supported the project enthusiastically, helping to price the offer in a sustainable way should demand continue to grow.

So far, 28 Oasis members have completed gym inductions and now attend the local gym weekly.

Participants say the scheme has had a meaningful impact on their confidence and well‑being:

“Before this, I felt isolated at home. Now the gym gives me structure and makes me feel strong again,” said a regular participant.

“For me, it’s not just exercise. It’s meeting people and feeling part of the community,” said another member.

Barriers Still Being Felt

While the programme has been welcomed, not all participants have been able to complete the induction process. Some live too far from Splott to make the weekly commitment.

“I wanted to take part, but travelling that distance each week wasn’t realistic,” one participant said. “If a similar option existed closer to where I live, I’d join straight away.”

Positive Outcomes and Future Steps

Early feedback shows improved mental health, social value, and confidence among those taking part. A key insight from the project is that removing access barriers to existing facilities can be more effective than creating entirely new activities.

Clara is now exploring ways to make the scheme even more welcoming for new participants.

“A gym buddy or mentor for those first sessions would help people feel more confident and less overwhelmed,” suggested a recent gym inductee.

Future plans include developing introductory sessions supported by students or trained volunteers to help new users settle in and build lasting motivation.