press release: Serco Leisure
Gold company profile | Serco Leisure
PRESS RELEASE
Serco leisure centres introduce quieter hours in support of people with sensory processing issues
11 Jun 2025
Quiet hours / Serco Leisure
The programme is part of a broader active wellbeing strategy, which the company launched in 2024.
During the quieter periods, music will be switched off in gyms and around poolside, bright lights will be turned off or dimmed, and teams will be asked to refrain from making Tannoy announcements, unless there is an emergency.
Serco’s National Active Wellbeing Manager, Sarah Berne said: "Studies show that around 5-16% of population have sensory processing difficulties. That’s a huge group of people, who may be put off attending leisure facilities as the environments could create feelings of anxiety, discomfort or fear. By making a simple change, we’re making our centres more accessible and more welcoming, which fits into the active wellbeing strategy we launched last year.”
Steve Nelson, Director, Leisure added: “While these quieter, more relaxed sessions are open to all customers, this small timetable change at our facilities could make a huge difference to the lives of people with neurodiversity needs, making our centres a truly inclusive environment where people can enjoy their health and wellbeing experience.”
Serco’s leisure business operates 54 facilities across the UK on behalf of a range of clients, including local authorities, Sport England and WheelPower, the national charity for wheelchair sport.
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Serco Leisure
Tel: +44 0116 240 7500
Email: [email protected]
Address:
Lancer House,
38 Scudamore Road,
Leicester,
Leicestershire,
LE3 1UB,
United Kingdom
Steve Nelson, managing director
Serco Leisure video gallery:
Key personnel
Steve Nelson, managing director
Sally Kurton, director of operational support
Leigh Brooks, director of marketing & customer engagement
Warren Higgins, director growth & strategic partnerships
Nikhil Ghelani, director of business improvement
Lisa Boylin-George, director of finance
Sally Kurton, director of operational support
Leigh Brooks, director of marketing & customer engagement
Warren Higgins, director growth & strategic partnerships
Nikhil Ghelani, director of business improvement
Lisa Boylin-George, director of finance
Key customers
■ Sport England
■ WheelPower
■ Local authorities
■ WheelPower
■ Local authorities
Plans for the next 12 months
We will continue working closely with our
partners to support their overarching
health and wellbeing strategies; while
remaining focused on the promise we
make to all the people who benefit from
the services we provide, which is to help
our customers make more of every day.
In 2024, we launched our national Active Wellbeing Strategy, outlining our strategic approach to addressing health inequalities within the communities we serve. Building on existing best practices, we aim to enhance and expand our efforts in this area, positioning our centres as inclusive community hubs dedicated to supporting the most underrepresented groups.
We are particularly proud of the free to attend, after dark running/walking clubs we launched in 2024 in support of This Girl Can’s ‘Let’s Lift the Curfew’ campaign.
In 2024, we launched our national Active Wellbeing Strategy, outlining our strategic approach to addressing health inequalities within the communities we serve. Building on existing best practices, we aim to enhance and expand our efforts in this area, positioning our centres as inclusive community hubs dedicated to supporting the most underrepresented groups.
We are particularly proud of the free to attend, after dark running/walking clubs we launched in 2024 in support of This Girl Can’s ‘Let’s Lift the Curfew’ campaign.
Testimonial
“The knowledge, expertise and experience Serco bring is first class. We’re confident
they are the operator who will provide the level of service, variety of activity and the
inclusive welcome the people of Birmingham deserve.”
– Dave Wagg, head of sport & development, Birmingham City Council
– Dave Wagg, head of sport & development, Birmingham City Council
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