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The Wellness Hub at The Arc in Clowne, launched in 2021 with over £120,000 of COVID-19 recovery funding. Located in Bolsover, Derbyshire, where life expectancy levels are well below the national average and which has significant rates of chronic health conditions, the Hub supports local residents to improve their physical health, combat social isolation and mental health issues.

The facility is equipped with Innerva’s full circuit of specialist power-assisted exercise equipment offering an accessible entry point to physical activity for those with limited mobility, complex health conditions or even just anxiety around using traditional gyms.

“The Hub is a good feeder for our wider activities, such as low-impact exercise classes, which are a natural progression for those looking to increase their activity levels,” says Craig Barnes, Active Lifestyles Manager at Bolsover District Council.

Bolsover District Council’s latest research shows the Wellness Hub has delivered £760,000 in savings in the past year alone through improved health outcomes and reduced demand on local healthcare services. Users report significant gains in mobility, flexibility, strength and cardiovascular fitness. 

With a fast-growing membership of more than 300, the Wellness Hub now delivers 18 sessions a week. Monthly fees range from £22 to £30 and include access to gym facilities and additional wellness programmes.

The Wellness Hub partners with six hospitals, local GPs and other health professionals. Nurses deliver Phase 3 rehabilitation on site, while all staff are trained in Phase 4 cardiac, cancer and pulmonary rehab to support those with complex health needs, including stroke rehabilitation, cancer recovery, cardiovascular issues, pulmonary problems and Parkinson’s disease.

Many members join the Wellness Hub through the council’s PALS (Physical Activity and Lifestyle Support) programme, which is designed to help residents overcome barriers to exercise such as financial hardship, transport issue and social isolation.
 
The Hub serves as a community hub with many members arriving early for the social interaction. One user, Peter, had attempted to take his life after the death of his parents and struggling with PTSD from a previous trauma. Regular attendance at the Hub helped him to regain confidence and purpose, and with the support of staff, he has returned to full-time work.

He says: “I will be a member of the Wellness Hub for life. This is not only a lifeline socially, but for me it has been a lifesaver.”

Laura Childs, Marketing & Communications Manager at Innerva, says: “We’re so proud to see how the Wellness Hub is transforming the lives of people in Bolsover. Facilities like this are vital for removing barriers to physical activity. The fact that the Hub has generated more than £760,000 in social value just shows the impact of inclusive wellness.” See the Wellness Hub in action below: