Better Concessionary membership

What is concessionary membership?

At Better, we want to help everyone get active. That's why we offer concessionary memberships at our gyms and leisure centres nationwide. This membership is offered at a lower price than our standard memberships and is designed for anyone in receipt of benefits in the UK.

If you’re eligible for a concessionary membership, you’ll get access to Better gyms, swimming pools and fitness classes in your local area at a discounted rate. As with all our memberships, you’ll also enjoy a range of benefits like free gym inductions and access to trained fitness instructors at the gym.

So, if you’re looking to get healthier for less, bring it to Better, where everyone is welcome.

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Who can get a concessionary membership?

Our discounted concessionary membership is available to anyone who receives any of the following benefits:

Who's eligible

  • Housing benefit
  • Income Support
  • Job Seekers’ Allowance
  • Working Families Tax Credit
  • Carers Allowance
  • Universal Credit payment page, dated within 3 months with value greater than £0
  • Residence permit card with refugee settlement within 1 year of issue date
  • Application Registration card (ARC) Asylum Seekers within 1 year of issue date
  • Freedom Bus Pass (Yellow)
  • Disability Personal Independence (PIP) Payment
  • National Disability card
  • Disabled Persons Railcard
  • Employment & Support Allowance
  • Disability Living Allowance
  • War Time Pension Holders
  • Pension credit
  • Blue Badge (back display of badge)
  • Attendance Allowance

How to apply for a concessionary membership?

To apply for a concessionary membership, join online or visit your local centre to sign up. You’ll just need to provide evidence of your eligibility when you sign up. If you receive PIP, we accept a disabled ID card as proof of eligibility. 

Please note: All documentation must include the customer name and be in date (either valid for a year or be before the expiry date). See our terms and conditions for more details.

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Hear from our members

What’s included in a Better Concessionary membership?

Alongside off-peak* leisure, swim and gym discounts, a Better concessionary membership grants you:

  • Inclusive access to gyms in your local area, offering cardio, resistance, functional, weight and stretch zones
  • Inclusive access to our swimming pools in your local area
  • Inclusive access to our full fitness class programme at your local centres
  • 7-day priority advanced booking online or via the Better UK app
  • Access to free WIFI in Better centres
  • Option of rolling monthly Direct Debit payments with no contract for added flexibility
  • Up to 50% off other activities and services
  • Option of free personalised fitness induction when you visit our gyms 
  • Free access to an expert fitness instructor, who’ll create a personalised exercise programme based on your needs
  • Access to a six-week programme of refocus sessions to keep you feeling motivated 

*Please note: Most of our concessionary membership packages are only valid during off-peak hours - please check details for your individual centre when signing up. Peak/off-peak hours vary by location. Facility access is subject to availability, refer to home centre and individual location page for facility listings.

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Other community supported memberships

GP Referral

We offer 12-week programmes to individuals who want to gain the skills and confidence to improve their physical and mental wellbeing. Uncover our variety of referral schemes and which one will help you reach your goals.

Discover more
gym members on rowing machines

Refugee Supported membership

Individuals who’ve been granted refugee status in the last 6 months can apply for a free 6-month Better Health Saver (Off-Peak) membership. Check your proof of eligibility and start your application online today.

Apply now
male member in the gym with a wheelchair

Disability membership

If you are registered as disabled, you are eligible for our Inclusive UK membership which gives you inclusive access to all our facilities across the UK, at any time.

Find out more

Frequently asked questions

What does concessionary mean for a gym membership?

At Better, a concessionary gym membership is a reduced membership fee for groups of people who meet certain social and financial criteria. 

You’re typically eligible for discounted gym and leisure membership if you’re receiving benefits such as income or housing support, or are impacted by long term health conditions or a disability. Membership concessions are also available for financially impacted groups including students and senior citizens. 

In order to qualify for a concessionary membership package, you’ll need to prove eligibility with a form of identification and relevant documentation. Details of these requirements are given in the sign-up process.

I receive disability benefits – what are my concessionary membership options?

If you’re registered as having a disability, you’ll be eligible for Better concessionary memberships, as well as our Inclusive UK membership. 

The main difference is that our Inclusive UK membership also includes unlimited access for your carer or personal assistant free of charge, making it ideal for those who require assistance. Like our concessionary membership, you’ll enjoy discounted access to all Better centres nationwide, plus a personalised induction and tour of our accessible facilities.

I don’t receive benefits - do you offer any other reduced memberships?

We believe everyone should have access to gyms, pools and leisure centres. If you don’t meet the criteria outlined in the eligibility section above, you can also browse our other discounted gym memberships including Better Health Saver (Off-Peak), Pay as you Go, and Better Flex. 

Take a look at our full range of membership options to find the right one for you.

What are the different types of concessionary membership on offer?

We offer a variety of concessionary gym and leisure memberships to suit all needs. Most of our concessionary memberships include off-peak use of your local facilities for a reduced monthly fee, though there are other membership types available. 

Partnership concessionary membership gives you access to all facilities and centres in your region, which is ideal if you enjoy the option of lots of different activities nearby - like gym and swimming pool access for example. 

Better Flex concessionary membership is a pay-as-you-go-style membership which includes a monthly base fee plus discounted activities and classes on top. This membership is suited to people who enjoy having the most flexibility when their weekly gym routines may differ, are easing back into exercise, or are completely new to the gym.

Alternatively, our inclusive membership offers discounted access to disability-friendly gyms and leisure centres nationally, without any off-peak constraints.

Can you get a free gym membership on the NHS?

NHS referral schemes typically only offer discounted gym memberships. However, these discounts can often be significant when compared to a standard gym membership fee. For example, you can join a Better gym or leisure centre for a reduced price with an NHS referral. 

We offer a variety of physical activity referral memberships with different focuses and durations, including our popular six week Give it a Go programme. Find out more about physical activity referrals and find a programme that’s right for you.

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