[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Facilities at homelessness schemes can benefit the whole community.

Colin joined the Swale Your Way group, for people with mental health issues, just over 18 months ago. He soon got stuck into volunteering by cooking at a breakfast club for residents of The Quays homelessness scheme. He also got to make use of the scheme’s refurbished gym and support from the NHS and local fitness trainers.

At 22, he was one of the group’s youngest members, and weighed 18 stone. By eating healthily he lost 14lb. He decided to start using the gym, helped by personal trainers from HMP Standford Hill’s Working Out team, and The Quays’ staff.

Within a year, he has lost five stone, done a 5k run for charity, and now goes jogging regularly with The Quays’ trainers, residents, and staff. Colin’s confidence has grown and he was hugely proud of being able to go out and buy new clothes – several sizes smaller, of course.

Colin is one of many success stories since the ‘Lee-Wallis’ gym (named after the two staff members who worked so hard to make the project happen) was opened in June 2015. church Housing Trust helped to fund the new equipment, and staff plan to continue refurbishing the building and purchasing more equipment.

Two drop-in sessions incorporate fitness at the gym, and cooking skills in the attached training kitchen, to support anyone with a disability or mental health needs.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]