Belgravia Foundation celebrates the work the team at Knox Leisureworks are doing. Ruby, the Community Engagement Coordinator for the Knox Leisureworks contract, plays a pivotal role in ensuring every community member feels welcomed and supported. She collaborates closely with various team leaders to enhance engagement and accessibility. Under her guidance:

• Francois and Vicki in Guest Experience have refined customer service principles and processes to be more inclusive and proactive in assisting guests.

• Danielle and Narelle, Aquatics Services Coordinators, have developed tailored aquatic programs that ensure students of all abilities can participate and learn in a supportive environment in both our schools and learn to swim programs.

• Sophie, Exercise Physiologist, takes pride in seeing these members achieve their goals, which initially they thought were unachievable. Through creating an inclusive and welcoming environment, we are able to meet the needs of all members with varying goals, abilities, injuries and disabilities.

• Maggie, Aquatics & Wellbeing Manager, has integrated programs and events that cater to diverse needs, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to participate in active recreation.

• Cooper, Operations Manager, actively implements strategies, regulations and initiatives in the facility to ensure it meets accessibility standards consistently.

• Danny, Venue Manager, ensures that all initiatives align with our core mission of inclusion and actively promotes community engagement.

Together, they foster a culture of inclusivity that resonates throughout our services, making Knox Leisureworks a model for community-centered leisure facilities. Ruby’s role is crucial in weaving these efforts into a cohesive strategy that significantly enhances the community’s quality of life.

At Knox Leisureworks, their mission is to foster an environment that is not only accessible but also inclusive and diverse, reflecting the needs and aspirations of the entire Knox community. This commitment to inclusivity is manifested in their proactive approach to community engagement, where listening and responding to the voices of their members is paramount.

Knox Leisureworks approach to creating an inclusive space starts with a simple yet fundamental principle: community consultation. Ruby spoke on how the team at Knox “believe that by engaging with our members and listening to their feedback, we can design services that are not only effective but also compassionate and responsive to their needs.” This dialogue has led to several impactful initiatives.

After developing a relationship with a member during Sophie’s Exercise Physiology services, the adaptation of the environment around the gym equipment was a recognised need for tactile guidance for those who are partially sighted. We responded by adding bright yellow tape around the gym equipment, ensuring that these members can navigate our facilities safely and independently. This modification illustrates how small changes can make a big difference to the members at Knox.

Furthermore, Knox Leisureworks positive relationship with council partner Knox Leisureworks provides additional support for carers in our community at the facility. Understanding the challenging roles carers play, we initiated free carers' classes, offering them a space to rejuvenate and connect with others who share similar experiences. This initiative not only honors their hard work but also integrates them more deeply into the community fabric. Due to the positive impact it has had, Feel Good Friday for Carers has been established, that provides free access for carers on Fridays on a permanent basis.

Our commitment to inclusivity extends beyond physical adaptations and program offerings. Recognising the diverse linguistic backgrounds of our community members, we have developed translated aquatic water safety guides. Ensuring that all members, regardless of their primary language, have access to crucial safety information is a priority. The visual traffic light guides that highlight the high-low risk areas in the pool are accompanied with brochures that explain the diagram in more depth. Additionally, the translations the brochures have are closely related to our community being relevant of the Knox demographic This effort underscores our dedication to safety and accessibility, making sure that every member feels secure and informed.

Staff training is another cornerstone of Knox’s strategy to maintain an inclusive atmosphere at Knox Leisureworks. All team members undergo regular training focused on inclusivity and sensitivity, equipping them with the skills necessary to accommodate and celebrate the diverse needs of our community. This training ensures that all staff are not only aware of but are advocates for the inclusive values we hold dear.

In celebration of these efforts and to mark our ongoing commitment to community engagement, we host various events and programs that cater to a wide array of interests and abilities. These include special activity days, workshops, and inclusive fitness classes designed to encourage participation from everyone, irrespective of their physical or cognitive abilities. Each event is an opportunity for us to reinforce our commitment to an inclusive community, showcasing our facilities as spaces where everyone can find something that resonates with their needs.

Our engagement doesn't stop with physical activities. We are actively involved in community advocacy, working alongside various organisations to promote policies and practices that support inclusivity in recreation and leisure, not just within our facilities but across the broader community landscape. The Community Network Forums give Community Engagement Coordinators like Ruby to connect with local stakeholders to ensure they are aware of the work she and her team members are putting in, advocating for community. It has also allowed more new relationships to be established with plan for more aquatic programs to be developed tailored to community groups.

In conclusion, at Knox Leisureworks, inclusivity is not just a policy; it's a practice woven into the very fabric of our operations. From facility design and program development to community partnerships and staff training, they are dedicated to creating a welcoming, supportive, and inclusive environment. The team’s approach is a continuous journey, driven by the belief that everyone deserves access to health and happiness through active participation in community life. At Knox Leisureworks, the team are committed to evolving and expanding our efforts, ensuring that inclusivity remains at the heart of everything we they do.