A health and fitness facility specifically designed for adults with learning disabilities has opened at the Doyle Centre in Exmouth, Devon.

Run by the Learning Disability Health and Social Care Partnership and used by more than 50 people every day, the centre aims to provide an accessible environment in which people can enjoy physical exercise as well as receive education on healthy lifestyles.

The new facilities include a gym with CV equipment, weight training machines and a floor exercise area for warm-up/cooling downing and free weights work. The equipment, supplied by PowerSport, can be used by people with mobility restrictions, including those in wheelchairs.

Funded by Exmouth Mencap, Devon County Council and local charities, the development also includes refurbishments to the centre’s pool including improved shower and changing facilities, with the addition of a hoist to improve access to the pool for wheelchair users and people with mobility problems.

Centre manager Andrew Scott said: “The centre’s core users are people with learning disabilities who feel uncomfortable about swimming, or going to a gym with other members of the public. Our goal has been to provide facilities that cater for these people - of all ages and abilities.”

"Many visitors gain, not only from improved physical fitness but also the opportunity to socialise. We see people's self-confidence and self-esteem rise.

"Because Devon County Council already meet the running costs of the pool and the gym, we are able to price the use of our facilities very competitively."