Job search
Job Search

Have your say

Have you got a view on the state of the sports sector? A topic you want to discuss? An opinion on an article featured in Sports Management? Write to us at: [email protected]

Published in Sports Management 2018 issue 1

Dr Helen Quirk,

Researcher in exercise psychology,

Sheffield Hallam University

As a psychologist in the area of physical activity and exercise, I was interested to read about how Westway Sports and Fitness Centre responded to the Grenfell Tower fire (Sports Management November/December 2017, p44). I believe that Westway’s response to the fire clearly highlights the significant influence that sports and fitness centres can have on their members’ wellbeing, even in the most adverse situations.

Psychologists describe resilience as the ability to ‘bounce back’ in the face of adversity. It usually describes a human characteristic, but at the group level, communities have been known to develop a culture of resilience. By opening its doors after the Grenfell Tower fire, Westway promoted community resilience by creating an environment in which people felt welcomed, connected and socially supported.

In the months following the disaster, Westway offered tangible support to the people affected by the fire in the way of shelter and facilities, but it was the emotional support and cohesive environment that broke down barriers, gave the community a sense of normality and empowered people to move forwards with their lives.

We tend to think that sports and fitness centres are places that only promote physical health, but Westway has demonstrated how being the central hub of a community can offer so much more in the way of psychological support. The Westway case study was a tragic and exceptional event, but lessons can be learned. Sports and fitness centres need to be much more than a facility; they have a responsibility to recognise and prioritise members’ needs and thereby support not only the physical, but also the social and emotional needs of the local community.

"Sports centres have a responsibility to support the social and emotional needs of the community"

Months after the Grenfell Tower fire, Westway – run by Everyone Active – continues to support the community
Months after the Grenfell Tower fire, Westway – run by Everyone Active – continues to support the community
Sign up for FREE ezines

Company profile

Company profile: FIBO Global Fitness
FIBO pursues the vision of a strong and healthy society and as a global network makes an essential contribution to a long and fulfilling life for people. At the annual FIBO Show, therefore, all players from the fitness, wellness and health sectors come together and form the hot spot for innovations, investments and trends for an active lifestyle.
View full profile >
More company profiles

Featured Supplier

Sprung Gym-Flooring: leading fitness flooring provider paves the way for top performance
Introducing Sprung Gym-Flooring, where innovation meets excellence in the world of flooring and sports solutions.
View full details >
More featured suppliers

Property & Tenders

Location: Loughton, IG10
Company: Knight Frank
Location: Grantham, Leicestershire
Company: Belvoir Castle
Location: Verwood, Dorset
Company: AVISON YOUNG
Location: Hall Place House, Bexley, DA5 1PQ
Company: London Borough of Bexley
Location: 15 Concessions across the nation's forests
Company: Forestry England
More properties & tenders

Diary dates

11-14 Apr 2024
Exhibition Centre , Cologne, Germany
22-24 Apr 2024
Galgorm Resort, York
10-12 May 2024
China Import & Export Fair Complex, Guangzhou, China
23-24 May 2024
Large Hall of the Chamber of Commerce (Erbprinzenpalais), Wiesbaden, Germany
More diary dates