Recovering addicts helping others recover — through community, movement, and the power of showing up every single day.
Who We Are
We're not a gym. We're a community built by people who've been through addiction and come out the other side. Every session we run, every person who walks through our door, is a vote for life over substance.
Rehab Fitness CIC is a Community Interest Company — which means every penny we make goes straight back into supporting people in recovery across Manchester. No investors. No profit motive. Just purpose.
Read Our Story
Every person who walks through our door is met with the same thing — someone who's been exactly where they are.
Backed by the community
Our work is recognised and funded by the National Lottery Community Fund — enabling us to keep every single session free, reach more people in recovery, and grow our community across Manchester.
See our impactProudly supported & partnered with
Session times, venues, day trips and a friendly word whenever you need one. Scan the code or tap to join — everyone's welcome.
Leadership
Three founders. One mission. Each one with lived experience of recovery and a relentless belief that nobody gets left behind.
Sean is a fully qualified Senior Personal Trainer and lived-experience leader who drives Rehab Fitness's gym, circuit and outdoor sessions. His approach is rooted in the belief that movement is medicine — and that recovery is possible one rep, one mile, one day at a time.
✉ sean@rehabfitness.org.uk
Yoga instructor and mindfulness facilitator with a background in community mental health. Passionate about accessible wellness for people who've been let down by traditional services.
✉ kate@rehabfitness.org.uk
Liz is a fully qualified Sound Bath and Reiki practitioner who brings holistic healing and mindfulness to the heart of Rehab Fitness. Her sessions create a calm, restorative space where people can reconnect with themselves and find peace in their recovery journey.
✉ liz@rehabfitness.org.ukAccredited & Qualified
Every session is led by fully qualified, nationally accredited instructors. Our team holds Ofqual-regulated diplomas and industry-recognised certifications — because when it comes to your recovery and wellbeing, you deserve nothing less than the real thing.
The community
Snapshots from our circuits, yoga classes, outdoor sessions, community days and away trips — the everyday moments that make Rehab Fitness what it is.
Rehab Fitness was born from personal experience. Our founders are people in long-term recovery themselves — people who know firsthand how isolating addiction can be, and how transformative movement and community can become when you need it most.
We set up as a Community Interest Company (CIC) in February 2025 specifically so that our work would always serve the community — never shareholders. Every membership fee, every donation, goes directly back into running sessions, training instructors, and reaching more people across Manchester.
We're not a gym. We're proof that recovery is possible.
Based at Phoenix Mill in Ancoats, Manchester, we run free sessions six days a week — Circuits at Proper Gym (Mon, Tue, Wed), Walking Club on Wednesday, Men's Talking Circle on Monday evenings, Run Club on Thursday and Sunday, and Yoga on Friday. Every session is completely free. Our classes are designed to be accessible regardless of fitness level, background, or how far along in your recovery journey you are. You don't need to be sober to walk through our door. You just need to want something different.
We're affiliated with Step Up MCR and supported by Neighbourly, helping us reach people across Greater Manchester who need our support the most.
No fitness test. No sobriety requirement. No judgment. If you show up, you belong here — on day one and on year three.
As a CIC, 100% of surplus goes back into the community. We exist to serve, not to profit.
Our instructors and leaders have been through addiction themselves. That's not a marketing line — it's the foundation of everything we do.
Physical activity is one of the most evidence-backed tools for supporting recovery. We take that seriously.
The quickest way to get involved. Join our group chat for session times, venues, day trips and a friendly word whenever you need one. Everyone's welcome — scan the code or tap the button to come on in.
Join the Group
Scan to join
What We Run
All classes are designed to be welcoming, non-intimidating, and genuinely useful — whether you're in early recovery or five years in.
Rehab Fitness CICWeekly Timetable
6 sessions every week — all free, all open, no booking needed
Sessions may be subject to change. Follow us on Facebook or Instagram for up‑to‑date info.
Strength & Cardio
Our flagship session, three days a week at Proper Gym. High-energy circuits using bodyweight, kettlebells, and cardio stations — adapted for every fitness level. No experience required. Coaches guide you every step of the way, and the group energy carries you through.
Outdoor & Cardio
Get outside and move at your own pace, starting from Phoenix Mill. Our Run Club welcomes every speed — from first-time joggers to seasoned runners. Walk, jog, or run alongside people who get it. The group keeps you going and nobody is ever left behind.
Mind & Body
A gentle, trauma-informed yoga session in the Phoenix Mill upstairs room. Focused on breathwork, nervous system regulation, and reconnecting with your body. Especially valuable in early recovery when anxiety and sleep difficulties are common. Open to absolutely everyone — just turn up.
Our Impact
Every stat below represents a real person. A real life changed. A real community growing stronger.
Rehab Fitness CICBy the Numbers
Members supported through fitness and community since launch
Free weekly sessions across circuit training, run club and yoga
Of all surplus reinvested directly into community programmes
Every session — open to everyone, every week, always
Community Interest Company — legally locked to serve the public good
Movement is not a cure.
But it's a reason to show up tomorrow.
The Difference We Make
Real outcomes for real people — measured not just in numbers, but in lives changed.
Regular gym, circuit and yoga sessions have improved physical health, confidence and energy. Participants report feeling stronger, sleeping better and more motivated — rebuilding a healthier relationship with their bodies.
For many participants, Rehab Fitness is the main reason they leave the house each week. Genuine friendships and peer support networks have formed through training, day trips and group activities.
The project gives people a sense of belonging beyond their health challenges — a safe, welcoming space to be active, connect with others and feel part of something real.
Rehab Fitness has raised its profile locally, connecting with other organisations and demonstrating what community-led recovery and movement can achieve across Greater Manchester.
What Makes It Work
The principles behind every session we run.
An established relationship with local people in recovery meant participants felt safe and comfortable from day one — no warm-up period needed.
Every session is delivered with safety, trust and choice at the centre — people feel respected and in control, keeping them engaged and returning.
A mix of gym sessions, group training and day trips means something for everyone — regardless of fitness level, confidence or background.
Once a core group formed, they naturally encouraged and supported each other — a positive group culture that attracts and retains new members organically.
Being part of Step Up MCR connected Rehab Fitness to local organisations, resources and opportunities — adding credibility and opening new doors.
Stories from Our Community
I can't tell you enough how much today meant to me. It was nice to be part of this group and this wellbeing event
It's got to be one of the best things I've ever done to date.
I've learnt so much about myself on this ride, that anything is possible
Wow every bit of it was AMAZING, brilliant for my mental and physical health
Empowered, a part of the team
The connection with others and nature was magnificent, the whole experience was amazing
The connection people had there was like one big family
I've never been on a trip like this before, it was really nice to experience it
I have so many good memories from the trip, but my favourite was hiking through the beautiful Peak District landscapes and sharing the experience with the group.
The fresh air, nature, and great company made it really special
I really enjoyed getting to all the summits, that was definitely up there. I love to achieve things
This trip gave people a sense of belonging and showed them they could achieve big things!
Things like this really help people who have suffered addiction, abuse, isolation and mental health issues
It's okay to stop drinking and taking drugs, it sounds so easy. It's building new friendships, learning new things, and connection that will keep people off the drink and drugs and improve their futures
Supported By
We're proud to be connected with organisations across Greater Manchester who share our commitment to community-led recovery.
For Referrers & Support Workers
We work with support workers, key workers and recovery organisations across Greater Manchester. Get in touch to refer a client or discuss a partnership.
Get In Touch
Whether you want to join, refer someone, volunteer, or just ask a question — drop us a message and we'll get back to you quickly.
Rehab Fitness CICThe quickest way to get involved. Join our group chat for session times, venues, day trips and a friendly word whenever you need one. Everyone's welcome — scan the code or tap the button to come on in.
Join the Group
Scan to join
Community-led recovery support through free movement, connection, and lived experience.
Phoenix Mill
20 Piercy Street, Ancoats
Manchester M4 7HY, United Kingdom
Sessions run at venues across Greater Manchester — message us and we'll share the venue for each session.
Follow us for session updates, stories, and community news.
Circuits Mon–Wed at Proper Gym, Walking Club Wednesday, Men's Talking Circle Monday evenings, Run Club Thursday & Sunday from Phoenix Mill, Yoga Friday. Just turn up — every session is completely free.
Phoenix Mill, Ancoats
20 Piercy Street, Manchester M4 7HY
Support Our Work
We're a Community Interest Company built by people in recovery, for people in recovery. We don't ask for much — only enough to keep our doors open and our sessions free. Whatever you can give goes straight back into the community, with nothing skimmed off the top.
Why It Matters
For many of our members, walking through our doors is the bravest thing they'll do all week. They arrive carrying addiction, isolation, grief and self-doubt — and they leave a little lighter, a little stronger, and no longer alone.
Your donation isn't just a transaction. It pays for the kit, the venue, the coffee afterwards and the day trips that turn strangers into a family. It keeps every single session free, so that no one is ever turned away because of what's in their pocket.
100% of every donation is reinvested into the community
No investors, no profit motive — just purpose
A registered CIC, legally locked to serve the public good
What Your Gift Does
Here's exactly where your generosity goes — real things, for real people, every week.
Welcomes a new member with kit and a warm first session
Funds a full circuit, run club or yoga session for the group
Keeps the venue open and the lights on for a week of sessions
Sends members on a day trip — fresh air, nature and connection
The Lasting Difference
When you support Rehab Fitness, the impact reaches far beyond the gym floor — into homes, families and the wider community for years to come.
New friendships, routine and a reason to show up are what keep people off the drink and the drugs. Your gift funds the connection that turns one good day into a lasting future.
Healthier, connected people build healthier neighbourhoods. Less isolation, less pressure on local services, and a network of support that holds people up long after a session ends.
Movement lifts mood, eases anxiety and rebuilds confidence. Members tell us our sessions are brilliant for their mental and physical health — a free, lasting form of care.
From reaching a summit to simply belonging, members rediscover that anything is possible. You're funding that spark of self-belief — and it carries into work, family and life.
Things like this really help people who have suffered addiction, abuse, isolation and mental health issues.
— Nathan, Community Member
Ways To Give
However you give, every penny stays in the community. Pick the option that suits you best.
A single donation of any size makes an immediate difference — and there's no commitment beyond your kindness today.
Donate NowA small monthly gift gives us something priceless — the certainty to plan ahead and keep every session free, all year round.
Become a SupporterRun a marathon, host an event, or partner as a business. We'll support you every step — get in touch to start.
Get In TouchOur Promise To You
As a Community Interest Company, we're legally bound to reinvest our surplus into the community. No shareholders. No bonuses. Just free sessions, day trips and a place to belong — for as long as people need us.
