Salford first to try sports app for disabled people

Salford Community Leisure (SCL) has become the first UK leisure operator to use a new app to help people with disabilities enjoy the gym and leisure venues.

WelcoMe free to download app allows people to alert venues at least two hours before their arrival to any special requirements or assistance needed so staff can support them.

SCL manages eight gyms, six swimming pools and a water sports centre and members will be able to build their own profile with details of their specific needs. The app is available to use at Irlam and Cadishead now and will be rolled out to Eccles, Swinton and Pendlebury and Worsley leisure centres and Salford Watersports Centre.

Garry Bateman, Head of Sport at Salford Community Leisure, said: “We are proud to pilot the app. We’ve done a lot of work to ensure that our staff are fully trained and capable of looking after any user with special needs and the new app is the perfect addition to this.

“It builds the confidence of both the customer and our staff in ensuring that the visit is the very best experience it can be.”

SCL already works with Unlimited Potential’s local Empower You scheme to assist local disabled gym users. Please visit www.unlimitedpotential.org.uk/enterprise/innovationprojects/empower-you for more information.