Who are we?

We are a small charity founded in 1989 in the heart of an area of deprivation that provides community centre and gym services to the local community and to the wider population of the the borough we serve and its neighbours.

What do we do?

Within the gym itself we provide the opportunity to exercise with or without the support of our expert team of staff. Physiotherapists, sports rehabilitators and cardiac specialists are on hand to provide tailored exercise programmes for those who want them.

We also provide a Community Activities Programme (CAP) that provides affordable exercise, education and social activities including (but not limited to) Pilates, yoga, circuit classes, creative writing and drawing classes, a Community Café (in partnership with the Real Junk Food Project) and rooms to hire for activities run by other charities and CIC groups, children's parties and other community activities.

What difference do we make?

Our feedback and testimonials speak for themselves.

Mrs F says the following:

"One day I wandered in with my crutch and met the staff. They were so helpful and interested I thought I’d give it a whirl because if I didn’t, other bits of me would seize up. They explained everything, gave me a 12-week induction. They helped me with the treadmill, told me I had to put my heel down. I had to learn to walk again. They guided me on to other equipment. I went three time a week for more than two years. It helped to know it wasn’t just me, it’s a supportive community."

Mrs D says:

"I can’t tell you how grateful I am to the Cambrian gym. I had to have a hip replacement. My recovery was so quick thanks to work I’d done in the gym under Vicki’s guidance that I went home the same day. I had pain in my shoulder from leaning on the crutch. Vicki put me on the treadmill at the lowest rating. Three weeks later I was able to throw away the crutch.

I visit the Wednesday lunch café, and attended the chair yoga which was very helpful. I was introduced to somatic yoga which is absolutely wonderful, I have learned so much from the tutor. I do a lot of those slow exercises at home. I love the centre, and the community life there. The social and emotional support is crucial. At one point I got so low I might not have returned, but Vicki the Gym Manager contacted me and brought me back. The Cambrian has given me a new lease of life"