Gym for Free: The short-term impact of an innovative public health policy on the health and wellbeing of residents in a deprived constituency in Birmingham, UK

Abstract

Background: This paper describes the process, impact and outcomes of an innovative health policy project entitled Gym for Free in Birmingham, UK. Objectives: To explore the short-term effectiveness of the pilot scheme in relation to access, utilisation, perceived benefits and sustainability. Design: Cross-sectional study using survey and focus group interviews. Setting: Community-based physical activity intervention programme. Methods: Data were collected using a validated questionnaire (n = 257) and focus group interviews (n = 9). Descriptive and inferential analyses were conducted where appropriate. Focus group interviews were recorded, transcribed and analysed thematically. Results: Findings showed that the pilot scheme increased the uptake of exercise particularly for women in an economically deprived inner city area. The use of leisure facilities also increased markedly (p < .05). Thus, the Gym for Free scheme was a step towards addressing health inequality by increasing access to and widening participation in exercise with multiple physical, mental and emotional benefits. Conclusion: Based on the findings of this pilot research project, Gym for Free won numerous national awards for its policy innovation, and, through the support and advocacy of the research team, was extended so as to be available to the whole population of Birmingham, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 7 days a week.

FABTOTS- An early years community -based obesity prevention programme: A pilot study

“…Resources such as handouts and food label cards were highly valued as were the cooking skills and the opportunities to talk to other parents. The informality encouraged information sharing, social support from peers and confidence building which is consistent with previous research [23,24].…”

A Qualitative Study of Barriers and Enablers of Physical Activity among Female Emirati University Students

“…However, providing free or subsidized women-only facilities in each residential area would be costly. It may be beneficial to conduct environmental analyses to identify underserved areas that could benefit from cost-reduced physical activity facilities—past research has shown that provision of free access to leisure facilities can increase participation in underrepresented groups [ 28 , 29 ]. There could also be opportunities to provide facilities and activity sessions in group residential buildings.…”

Community-centred interventions for improving public mental health among adults from ethnic minority populations in the UK: a scoping review

“…The interventions were highly heterogeneous in design and focus. They included therapy-style sessions delivered by lay health workers, 49 50 peer-support groups, 51 52 an educational leaflet, 53 free gym access 54 and a family services programme. 55 All interventions were conducted in England.…”

“…Rabiee et al 54 conducted a survey questionnaire (n=257) and focus groups to evaluate the physical and mental health impact of a 'gym for free' scheme in four leisure centres. The survey was intended to elicit participants' experiences of accessing the service as well as information about their height and weight and perceived changes in their general health and well-being.…”