Rehab Fitness CIC

Rehab Fitness is a lived-experience-led organisation based in Ancoats, Manchester. We support people recovering from addiction, poor mental health, and those who are in contact with, or leaving, the criminal justice system.

We were founded by people with lived experience - including extensive involvement in the criminal justice system, as well as long-term challenges with addiction and mental health. This isn’t just something we talk about - it’s what our organisation is built on. It means we understand the reality of what people are going through, and we’re able to build genuine trust with the people we support.

A big part of our work is with people coming out of prison, on probation, or involved with drug and alcohol services linked to the criminal justice system. We’re not formally linked in with probation yet, but that’s something we’re actively working towards. At the moment, we receive referrals from drug and alcohol services, including criminal justice teams, and provide a consistent space where people can stay connected and supported.

Rehab Fitness came from seeing a clear gap. People can go through treatment, therapy, or structured programmes, but once that support reduces, there’s often very little in place to help them keep going. That’s where we come in.

We use physical activity and community as a way to support recovery. There’s strong evidence behind this, but more importantly, we see it work every day. Having somewhere to go, people to connect with, and a positive routine can make a huge difference in helping people stay well and move forward.

Right now, we run:

Two weekly gym sessions (soon to be three)
One weekly yoga session
Two volunteer-led running groups
One weekly walking group

Everything we do is designed to be welcoming, consistent, and supportive. It’s not about fitness levels - it’s about creating a space where people feel comfortable, included, and part of something.

For a lot of the people we work with, Rehab Fitness becomes a key part of their week. It helps reduce isolation, supports mental wellbeing, and gives people something positive to be part of - especially during times that can be really challenging, like leaving prison or going through recovery.

Looking ahead, we want to build on what we know works. That includes developing stronger links with probation, expanding our referral pathways, and eventually delivering sessions in prisons. The long-term goal is to create a joined-up approach - so people can be part of a positive, active community both inside and outside of prison.

We’re also interested in creating opportunities for people to gain qualifications, such as Level 2 Gym Instructor and Level 3 Personal Trainer, so they can leave custody with something meaningful and potentially go on to volunteer or work within this space.

We’re continuing to grow what we offer, including looking at more targeted support for specific groups, such as people recovering from ketamine use, who often face additional physical challenges.

At the heart of it, we believe everyone deserves the chance to recover and build a life that feels good. Rehab Fitness is about giving people that space, that community, and that ongoing support to make it possible.