People across Edinburgh are improving their health, building confidence and finding connection, according to Edinburgh Leisure’s new 2025–26 Impact Report.
The findings support the charity’s 2030 mission to transform the city’s health and wellbeing by reducing barriers, developing new ways to deliver activity, and working with people and communities to help more residents be active.
The report highlights why access to sport and physical activity matters at every stage of life, from children learning to swim, to older adults rebuilding strength, and people facing barriers finding safe and welcoming ways to move.
It shows how Edinburgh Leisure combines scale with targeted support; welcoming millions of visits while focusing additional help on people who face the greatest barriers to being active.
In 2025–26, Edinburgh Leisure welcomed 5.976 million customer visits, reached an all-time high of 38,383 active members and supported 15,764 people to overcome barriers to physical activity. Together, these figures show the charity’s reach across the city and the targeted support it provides to help more people be active.
Key highlights include:
- 9,846 people on low incomes accessed subsidised or free activity, helping reduce financial barriers to participation
- 9,415 health and exercise referrals came from health, social care and charity partners
- 979 people supported to improve their mental health through Healthy Active Minds
- 644 care-experienced children and young people were supported
- 7,673 children learned to swim
- 13.7% reduction in carbon emissions, supporting the charity’s work to reduce its environmental impact
- 556 local sports clubs were welcomed across the estate
Jen Holland, Chief Executive of Edinburgh Leisure, said: “Behind every number is a person: someone learning a new skill, feeling stronger, meeting familiar faces, or taking a step towards better health.”
“The challenge now is to build on this progress, so more people across Edinburgh can access the support, spaces and opportunities they need to be active. As a charity, our role is to reduce barriers and work with communities and partners to make physical activity part of everyday life for more people.”
The report also shows that Edinburgh Leisure has strengthened its financial position, moving close to an underlying break-even position and reducing its reliance on additional Council support. This creates a more sustainable foundation for the charity’s long-term work.
Jen Holland added: “Being financially stronger helps us keep doing what matters most: opening up more opportunities for people across Edinburgh to be active.
“As a charity, every step towards sustainability means we can better support our communities now and plan with confidence for the future.”
The full Edinburgh Leisure Impact Report 2025–26 is available to read at:
