Gym costs prices

Holly 2019-05-11 11:20:59 UTC #1

Hi I’m after some advice about joining a gym for my daughter with downsyndrome, the problem is I have to join with her which ends up being very exspensive does anyone know of any gyms that either I don’t have to pay or she dosnt?

SarahL 2019-05-13 08:21:09 UTC #2

Hello @Holly

This is a really interesting question. I know my local gym has a different membership for people with a learning disability

www.better.org.uk/memberships/all-inclusive-membership/better-hf-inclusive

This gym used to be the council owned gym (and was therefore a lot cheaper than other gyms) but is not owned privately. It still seems quite cheap but is not free.

There might also be alternatives to a gym - but it would depend on what your daughter fancied and could manage. There are loads of fitness apps and there are also some other ideas on here:

Best of luck

Let us know how you get on.

Sarah

Liz 2019-05-13 13:57:48 UTC #3

Hi. My gym is a similar formerly-council one and they offer concession rates to those with disabilities and also to carers through our county’s “carers passport scheme”.
It might also be worth checking with your GP surgery as free or discounted exercise schemes may be on offer through them.
Near my brother’s house is a leisure centre that has a drop in once a week for those with learning disabilities. Different sports for £2 per session I think so ask around your local centres.

deedee 2019-05-13 19:42:22 UTC #4

If your daughter has a Care Act assessment and it includes the need to exercise is in her support plan, then perhaps you could ask that the cost of her membership is counted as a disability related expense (DRE). If she is supported by the local authority and she makes a contribution towards the cost of her care and, you could ask for the cost to be considered as a DRE which should result in her contribution charge being reduced accordingly. Good luck…Denise

Chris 2019-05-17 19:07:33 UTC #5

Hello Holly,

Some local authorities provide free or discounted gym membership.

One thing I would suggest is taking a look at The Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970.
Under that act, local authorities have an obligation to provide a range of services including practical assistance, home adaptations and the provision of or help with procuring access to recreational activities (such as outings, TV services or educational services, and the provision of meals at home).
This place has a good article about that legislation, which I believe can be used for gym membership:

And here is a link to the legislation:
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1970/44/contents

If you are also your daughter’s family carer, you are entitled, under The Care Act 2014, to a carers assessment, the local authority may provide leisure or gym membership for free, but is at their discretion.
Care Act Section 10:
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2014/23/section/10/enacted

Hope some of that is of use to you
Chris

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