With Challenge Poverty Week (Monday 6th – Sunday 12th October 2025) taking place this week, Edinburgh Leisure, a registered charity and the city’s largest provider of sports and leisure facilities, is highlighting its commitment to supporting people affected by poverty and inequality to lead active, healthy lives.
Phil Trodden, Health Development Officer at Edinburgh Leisure, said: “Poverty and poor health are closely linked. Despite Edinburgh being one of the wealthiest cities in the UK, Edinburgh faces one of the greatest levels of inequality.
“Nearly 82,000 people here are living in poverty, according to the Edinburgh Poverty Commission. Life expectancy can differ by as much as 14 years between the city’s most and least affluent areas.
“We know that people living in deprived communities are far less likely to be physically active, which can have a huge impact on their health and wellbeing.”
Bridging the Gap with the Get Active Card
Edinburgh Leisure’s £10 Get Active Card is designed to break down barriers to physical activity for adults experiencing poverty. The card offers off-peak access to gyms, swimming pools, saunas, steam rooms, and group fitness classes across the city – helping people enjoy the life-changing benefits of being active, regardless of their circumstances.
Lorraine’s Story: A Life Transformed
One person who has benefitted from the Get Active Card is Lorraine, who lives with multiple sclerosis and had to stop working due to her health.
After a challenging period of illness, Lorraine was initially unsure about returning to exercise. However, with the encouragement of Edinburgh Leisure’s supportive staff and fellow participants, she soon found herself enjoying regular sessions and gaining confidence in the gym – something she never thought possible.
When funding ended for the programme, she was referred to, Lorraine discovered the Get Active Card. “It’s unbelievable value,” she says.
“Without it, I wouldn’t be able to maintain regular physical activity, especially in a gym setting.” Lorraine has seen improvements in her strength, motivation, and overall quality of life, and has even inspired others to get active.
Real Impact, Real Stories
“Other cardholders have described the Get Active Card as ‘lifechanging,’ ‘a lifesaver’ and ‘so valuable’.
“For many, it’s the only way to access affordable exercise, improve their health, and find respite from daily challenges,” Phil Trodden explains.
How to Apply
Anyone in receipt of the following benefits may be eligible for a Get Active Card:
- Universal Credit
- Income Support
- Job Seekers Allowance
- Guaranteed Pension Credit
- Employment Support Allowance (ESA)
There are no joining fees or monthly subscriptions- just pay when you can. The Get Active Card costs £10 per month and gives access to Edinburgh Leisure’s gyms, swimming pools and fitness and gym classes, 7 days a week, up until 4pm each day.
The Get Active Care is not available online or via Direct Debit. To sign up, visit any Edinburgh Leisure venue and speak to a Welcome Host, or find out more at:
www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/get-active-card.
Edinburgh Leisure aims to welcome 150 new Get Active Card holders across its venues in October, with around 900 passes already sold each month.
