Investing in local lives – Horizon Leisure is so much more than a gym

Horizon Leisure is far more than just a place to exercise; it is a charity driven by the core belief that healthier and happier communities are built on activity, inclusion and accessibility.

As a charitable trust, Horizon Leisure has no private owners or shareholders to pay. Every surplus pound generated is invested directly back into improving services and the overall customer experience at our Havant and Waterlooville Leisure centres, the Wellbeing Hub at the Meridian Shopping Centre and our outreach programmes in the community.

Horizon Leisure generated almost £10 million in social value last year, which basically means the wider benefit we provide to society, such as reduced pressure on the NHS, better quality of life for residents and stronger community ties.

For example, the mum from Chichester who passes two other gyms to use our centre, as our free crèche gives her a few hours of headspace to feel like herself again and meet friends after her exercise, while her child is safe with our professional staff. Or the nervous visitor to our Wellbeing Hub who, after a friendly chat with our staff, completed a simple health check and found the confidence to start their journey toward a healthier life. These moments capture where our true value lies.

The heart of inclusion
The true heart of Horizon’s mission lies in its people. Juliet Bowskill, our Community Inclusion Officer, works to bring down the barriers that prevent residents from staying active, be that financial, physical or emotional.

“Physical activity isn’t just about fitness,” Juliet explains. “It’s connected to improved learning, mental wellbeing and social interaction. I’m here to create pathways that make these benefits accessible to everyone, regardless of their circumstances.

“As someone with lived experience, I know for families in the SEND community the biggest barrier isn’t just physical, it’s the anxiety of not knowing if you’ll be understood. That’s why we are working from the inside out to make Horizon a ‘sendvocate’ for residents.

“By creating and delivering our own internal staff neurodiversity training, we are empowering our team to recognise that not all disabilities are visible – a commitment we proudly champion through our Sunflower lanyard partnership. We’re also evolving our core services to be truly inclusive, including dedicated SEND swimming lessons and ‘sensory borrow bags’ to support transitions and reduce sensory overload. My goal is to ensure when a family walks into our centre, they see a supportive environment and feel they truly belong.”

Community discount
We understand that people’s priorities and circumstances can vary, and that leisure activities aren’t always the first consideration. That’s why, in partnership with Havant Borough Council, we offer a Community Discount Card, giving up to a 40% off a range of activities at our leisure centres, including use of the main sports hall for team or family activities, swimming sessions, crèche facilities, squash, table tennis, casual gym sessions and access to our fantastic Oceans of Play soft play area.

One Horizon Leisure customers says: “The discounted membership has had a profound impact on my family. The confidence my child has gained, the skills they are developing and the friendships they are forming are invaluable gifts that will benefit us all for years to come. My child especially loves swimming and soft play. As a parent, it’s incredibly heartwarming to see your child happy, engaged and building meaningful connections with his peers. As a family with a limited income, none of this would have been possible without the discounted membership.”

Wellbeing Hub
Keen to begin your fitness journey but not sure where to start? Pop along and meet the team of experts at our Wellbeing Hub for for a health check-up. The Hub is conveniently located on the ground floor of the Meridian Shopping Centre.
There you’ll find:

· Free health checks to spot early signs of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and more
· Health interventions, such as weight management programmes
· Supportive pathways to physical activity
· Small and friendly group exercise classes

Next time you’re shopping or heading out for coffee, come and say hi.

Health referrals
In partnership with Havant Borough Council, The NHS and Macmillan Cancer Support, our 12-week structured activity programme is designed to help get you moving more at a pace that feels right for you. Delivered by qualified wellbeing professionals at our Havant and Waterlooville centres, we provide a supportive environment tailored to your specific health needs.

If you’re interested in joining the programme, speak with your healthcare professional, who can guide you and arrange a referral, if it’s right for you.

Our programme can help you:

• Manage weight
• Build stronger bones
• Reduce high blood pressure
• Improve cholesterol levels
• Balance blood sugar
• Increase lung capacity, helping you to breathe more easily
• Manage stress and anxiety
• Increase energy levels
• Improve mobility, flexibility and overall movement
• Discover a happier you

You’ll have a dedicated exercise referral instructor by your side who will create a personalised activity plan tailored to your health status, preferences and lifestyle. You can count on regular check-ins to review and adjust your plans as needed too. On completion of the 12-weeks there is an opportunity for continued discounted Horizon Leisure membership.