Woody’s Back to Basics Community Gym CIC – Community Group of the Year nomination
Woody’s Back to Basics Community Gym CIC – Community Group of the Year nomination
Every coach and staff member at Woody’s Back To Basics Community Gym CIC in Hanley gives their time free of charge to help others.
Set up 15 years ago by father and son Stuart and Geoff Wood plus family friends Kathy Critchley, the gym welcomes children and adults of all ages aims to support the mental health of members as much as their physical health. It was registered as a CIC in May 2017.
Every penny generated is reinvested directly back into the facility, equipment and members. The gym and its members also work tirelessly to support the communities within which it is based, including a Christmas project where clothing and food are provided for homeless people.
Dad-of-two Stuart, aged 43 and from Birches Head, runs the gym alongside working full-time for JCB.
He credits the hard work of volunteer coaches Jenny Kinsey, Mac McEwan, Chris Gay, Wayne Banks and Dan Grundy who all give their time and skills free of charge to work with juniors, including a significant amount of work with people with additional needs.
Woody’s Back To Basics Community Gym CIC has been nominated in the Community Group of the Year category of the Your Heroes Awards by Justin Pover.
Justin said: “This non-profit grassroots gym has transformed countless lives across Stoke-on-Trent through continuous dedication, inclusivity and volunteer effort. Woody’s operates on a foundation of absolute selflessness.
“The CIC is completely non-profit; every single coach and staff member gives their time entirely free of charge, ensuring that every penny generated is reinvested directly back into the facility, its equipment and its members. This commitment ensures that financial hardship is never a barrier to health, well-being and personal growth for local residents.
“In a sport and fitness environment traditionally perceived as male-dominated, Woody’s has intentionally cultivated a safe, supportive space where women don’t just feel comfortable but genuinely empowered and supported.
“Equally vital is the gym’s commitment to mental health advocacy and male role-modelling. Led by Stu, who candidly shares his own mental health challenges, the gym leads by example. Stu demonstrates to young men and boys that physical strength goes hand-in-hand with empathy, caring and emotional sensitivity, creating an open culture where speaking up about mental health is encouraged.
“Woody’s operates on a strict zero-ego policy, fostering a warm, family atmosphere where everyone is welcomed with open arms. Beyond physical fitness the gym serves as a critical preventative hub giving young people focus, discipline and a safe haven away from street culture and isolation.”
Stuart used to box and would always donate his fee to charity. He has also run marathons in aid of a day care centre.
He said: “I do suffer with my own mental health massively and the gym is one thing that massively keeps me in check. I want to share the message that it’s ok to get upset, it’s ok to cry and it’s ok to feel down.”