Figuring out what determines access to Manchester’s leisure services

Wavehill worked with Manchester City Council to understand how people used the city’s leisure facilities, what prevented others from taking part, and how well targeted sessions responded to different needs. Wavehill undertook a consultation analysis of a citywide survey, giving the Council a clearer view of everyday experiences across both users and non-users.

A mixed-method approach

The analysis included:

1,209 survey responses, analysed through descriptive and inferential quantitative methods and thematic qualitative analysis.
Ten consultation sessions with targeted groups, analysed thematically.

What the consultation revealed

Feedback from users responding indicated that adjustments to facilities or the structure of sessions could help encourage greater and more consistent use of Manchester’s leisure services. Health, safety, and cleanliness were prominent concerns, with specific emphasis on privacy and women’s safety. The discussions also highlighted the value placed on trusted community settings, flexible attendance, women-only provision, quieter sessions and practical support from trained staff.

There were calls for more culturally sensitive provision, improved physical access and changes to costings. Confidence emerged as another barrier: one-third of disabled respondents cited low confidence; twice the rate of non-disabled users, prompting suggestions such as staff-led orientations, peer support, and group activities.

A stronger basis for inclusive decisions

By connecting patterns in the survey with the lived experiences shared through targeted consultation, the work gave Manchester City Council a structured account of where access was working and where changes to communication, service design, staff development and practical accessibility could make participation easier.

The report is available to read here.