An ambitious new project could see a disused building in the heart of Haslemere transformed into a unique community wellness hub, truly offering fitness, wellbeing and support to people of all ages and abilities. The brains behind the idea – Faye Dennis – is a genuine inspiration. 

Faye grew up without a father and as an only child to a single mum.  'I lived on the 10th floor of a council block of flats on a huge council estate in a really rough area in Essex,' she told us. 'We were one of those disadvantaged families and growing up there were so many things I was precluded from as a result. Intentionally or not, I was always made to feel different.  I was lucky enough to get a scholarship to a grammar school in Southend and from there went on to A Levels, University and Law School and life is obviously very different now but I think this goes some way to explain my passion.'

We are 100% behind this passion and for Faye's vision for what this could bring to Haslemere – it fundamentally redefines how inclusive our community can be for all. But, the scale of Faye’s ambition means she needs everyone’s support to bring the plan to fruition. Please read on to see how you can help.

The proposed Community Wellness Hub aims to create a space where everyone feels welcome, regardless of age, ability, background or financial circumstances. At the heart of the project sits Faye’s desire to make health and wellbeing genuinely accessible to all, particularly for people who can face barriers to traditional fitness facilities. For example, this includes activities and support for older residents, women during and after pregnancy, people with disabilities or additional needs, those experiencing mental health challenges and survivors of domestic abuse.

Crucially, this means that the hub would offer free and subsidised activities to people who might otherwise struggle to access them, giving everyone the opportunity to benefit from the opportunity to exercise, meet others, rebuild confidence and feel part of the community.

Once fully operational, it is hoped that the hub could support as many as 700 people every week, making a significant difference to health and wellbeing across Haslemere and the wider Waverley area. Those numbers of people attending also means increasing football in the heart of our town, which in turn will also support our local businesses.

The emphasis will be on creating a supportive and inclusive atmosphere, with activities adapted to suit different physical, emotional and sensory needs.

Whilst plans are still being finalised for the building, they include an impressive range of facilities. An accessible gym would offer adapted equipment and a sensory-friendly environment, making exercise more comfortable for older people and those with disabilities or additional needs. There could also be a dedicated Reformer Pilates studio offering small-group sessions, a spin studio with specially adapted bikes and additional spaces for classes, workshops and specialist wellbeing activities. An infrared sauna and cold plunge are also part of the possible proposed facilities.

As you come into the building, there would be a CYC:D café and workspace. Serving healthy, nutritious food and drinks, this is where visitors could meet, relax or work. For those visiting with a carer, it also offers an important area for carers to sit whilst the care recipient is exercising. The café is also part of the hub’s wider ambition to also address social isolation, creating opportunities for people to connect, build confidence and improve their wellbeing.

The cafe would play an important role in making the hub financially sustainable whilst the project is also designed around a model where income from commercial fitness classes and the café helps fund free and subsidised sessions for those who need them most. For example, commercial spin classes first thing in the morning would help generate revenue to support community activities at other times. It is an approach intended to make the hub both inclusive and financially sustainable in the long term.

Faye is currently knee-deep in funding applications to make this vision a reality. She has already reached out to local charities, schools, youth organisations, women's support groups and other community services to explore how the space could benefit the people they work with.

But this is where Faye needs your help. She needs to ensure that the space created truly does meet the needs of as many people as possible.

She has launched a community questionnaire to understand which facilities, activities and services would be most valuable to residents. Whether you are interested in fitness classes, looking for activities for an older relative, supporting someone with additional needs, or simply believe Haslemere would benefit from a more inclusive wellbeing space, your views matter.

The team is particularly keen to receive more questionnaire responses before Thursday 29 October, so there is still time to have your say.

The feedback will help shape the plans and provide valuable evidence of local demand as the project seeks funding. 

The vision is such an exciting one: taking an empty high street building and transforming it into a thriving community space that could improve lives, strengthen connections and make wellbeing accessible to more people. And with the support of the Haslemere community, it could become a reality.

Complete the Community Wellness Hub questionnaire:

Find out more or get involved: Contact Faye at CYD:D