New gym to support residents at Salvation Army hostel

A new gym has been built at Lyndon House in Ipswich thanks to long term fundraising and the help of staff and residents. 

Salvation Gym is now available for use by the 39 residents of Lyndon House, all of whom are being supported out of homelessness by The Salvation Army. The church and charity supports them in the place where they are, working alongside each individual to move towards permanent and sustainable independence. Staff support individuals to work through the challenges they have faced that has led them to Lyndon House. 

Andrew, 46, is working to rebuild his life after serving time in prison for robbery and has been at Lyndon House for five months. He’s navigating the daily challenges of staying on track, maintaining his mental health and avoiding the patterns that led him into trouble in the past. Shortly after his release, he was helped to access a local gym and this small intervention became a cornerstone of his recovery. 

Andrew said: “Going to the gym gave me somewhere to be. It kept me on the straight and narrow.” 

The routine of regular exercise gave Andrew structure, purpose, and a way to manage his mental health. Like many, he found that after a workout—even on difficult days—his mood would lift. The natural release of endorphins helped him feel calmer, more positive, and more in control. 

But after three months, the funded gym membership ended. The annual cost—over £300—was out of reach while living on Universal Credit. Without access to the gym, Andrew’s routine quickly began to unravel. 

He said: “I just stayed at home. Within a few weeks, it really affected me and my mental health started deteriorating. I didn’t have somewhere I could go to feel good and happy about myself. I’d just sit in my room for weeks and would only come out for food.” 

Months later, Andrew heard about plans for the gym facility. At first, he didn’t believe it would happen. 

But when the space was finally completed and he saw it for himself, his reaction shifted. 

“Now I’ve seen it and how kitted out it is, I’m really excited to start using it. This is the new drug I’m chasing and when you start to see changes, you feel so happy.” 

Daiva Zubaviciete is programme manager and led the gym project as part of a Level 5 Management Apprenticeship. 

She said: “Through a lot of research and speaking to friends, we found gym equipment at a really good price and flooring. Also, a lot of teamwork went in this – staff members and residents helped us decorate and paint. We had a residents’ meeting where they told us what gym equipment they would like and what colour scheme they wanted. I’m very happy and emotional – this is a big achievement. Residents are going to enjoy this, it will be great for their wellbeing, mental health and healthy living.” 

Shaun Buckman is a support worker at Lyndon House. He’s also a qualified gym instructor and plans to lead classes and training sessions. 

He said: “Before the gym, I was helping to do some fitness programmes for the residents here. The idea was to make a gym to help residents who are not confident or who needed support to work the equipment or be mentally ready to challenge themselves within the gym environment. I’m really chuffed with how the place looks. It’s for residents and staff members to use whenever they want it. It’s something they’ve wanted here for the past five or six years. Some residents here won’t feel comfortable going out and some will be worried going on their own. When they work out here, they won’t have that pressure. As well as that they’ll save money. I’m hoping to do a lot of inductions and class sessions with the residents.” 

The flooring in the gym and equipment including a treadmill, spin bike and rowing machine was supplied by Amazon Leisure.