Fitness and wellbeing in Havant and Waterlooville – meet the team who are ready to help people like you
When you step through the doors at Horizon Leisure in Havant and Waterlooville, you're not just entering a wellbeing facility, you're joining a community – meet the team who make every visit special.
Behind every warm smile and encouraging word are the extraordinary people who embody everything Horizon Leisure stands for: genuine care for every customer.
Putting people first
At Horizon Leisure, we believe that creating a truly welcoming environment starts with our people.
From the membership advisors, who are often your first point of contact, and the receptionists who greet you with a smile on every visit, to our duty managers ensuring everything runs smoothly and our health coaches who support your wellness journey, each and every team member plays a vital role in making their centres feel like home.
These aren't just employees; they're community champions who embody the organisation’s charitable mission. As a charitable trust operating for the benefit of its entire community, they understand that everyone's fitness journey is unique and see beyond stereotypes and preconceptions. They help us break down barriers and create spaces where everyone – regardless of age, background, fitness level or personal circumstances – feels comfortable and supported in discovering their potential.
In the following conversations, you can find out more about our amazing team:
Tom says everyone has to start somewhere
Meet Tom, 27, Waterlooville’s Membership Advisor. He says: “I really enjoy speaking with our customers and getting to understand why and how they want to move more in their lives. This helps me to guide them to the right kind of membership.
I understand that starting exercise can be daunting for some, but at Horizon Leisure we are very friendly, we are more like a family, so there’s no need to be nervous. The team will look after you, and I always remind customers that everyone has to start somewhere.
Kerry welcomes you in to her ‘second home’
Kerry, 51, is one of the receptionists at Waterlooville Leisure Centre and will be one of the welcoming faces you'll see every time you visit. After almost 10 years at Horizon, she still gets a genuine buzz from meeting new customers.
“I honestly love my job,” Kerry explains. “I've met so many people over the years, some who have become real friends. What drives me is watching people progress on their individual wellbeing journeys and knowing I can support them along the way.”
For Kerry, being a receptionist is all about meaningful interaction, from that first ‘good morning’ to helping customers navigate bookings, queries and apps. She says: “Working at Horizon feels like a second home, and I love the impact I can have on someone's day. Sometimes a chat with me might be the only conversation someone has that day, so making people feel truly welcome is incredibly important.
“Some customers are understandably nervous; it might take them weeks just to get the confidence to come through the front door. If I can put them at ease with a smile, help them with their bookings or show them how things work, then I know I'm making a real difference. I genuinely can't wait to meet new people and be part of their journey.”
Aiilyah says there is always a friendly face to support you
Aailyah, 22, is one of the Duty Managers at Waterlooville. She oversees daily operations, opening and closing the facility while managing teams of lifeguards, cleaners and café staff.
“You'll find me all over the centre ensuring everything runs safely,” Aaliyah explains. “I check pool chemical levels, monitor lifeguard coverage poolside and make sure the café stays clean and welcoming. It's a lovely job because I have a big team of staff that I work with, and I also get to know our members and hear their stories too. One thing customers really appreciate is having gym instructors always available – there's always a friendly face ready to offer support.”
Mark loves helping people and making a difference
Mark, 39, is a Health Coach and Exercise Referral Instructor based at Havant Leisure Centre. You'll also find him at the Hub in the Meridian Shopping Centre, and leading community-based classes throughout the area.
Mark specialises in supporting customers who have been referred to Horizon Leisure by their doctor, physiotherapist or social prescriber. “I love helping people and working with exercise referrals means the support I provide is genuinely life-changing,” he explains.
Being at a gym isn't just about twenty-year-olds lifting weights – it's about helping people achieve a better quality of life. I work with customers managing various health conditions, including stroke recovery, injuries, arthritis, COPD, cancer recovery and anxiety issues.
“So many customers tell me during their initial health assessment with me that they ‘don't think the gym can help’, but during their 12-week programme everything changes; their confidence grows, they move better, they're less out of breath, and they’re happier.”
For Mark, success comes through genuine connection. He says: “My job is incredibly varied, but at its heart it's about the people and making a real difference. I use my sense of humour to break the ice, then focus on supporting, encouraging and really listening to understand each person's individual needs.”
They can’t wait to meet you
Start your journey to more movement and a healthier and happier you by coming along to meet the friendly team and finding out more. Click here for more information and to see what facilities and support are available.