Club Profile

British Weight Lifting’s affiliated clubs are more than just training centres—they’re vital parts of their local communities.

Our Club Profiles series uncovers the stories behind these clubs, highlighting how they tackle local challenges, inspire positive change, and build stronger, healthier communities through weightlifting.

Each profile will give you a closer look at the unique paths these clubs have taken to success and the impact they’re making, both in and out of the gym.

Building Stronger Bodies and a Healthier Community

Sunderland faces significant challenges with youth engagement and anti-social behaviour. In 2021 Weight & Cakes emerged as a response to these issues, offering more than just a typical gym experience by using an innovative approach to fitness and community support.

As well as Olympic weightlifting instruction, young people gain access to:

Counselling: Addressing emotional and mental health needs.
Essential Food & Hygiene Products: Ensuring necessities are met.
A Strong Community: Fostering teamwork, mutual support, and belonging.

This unique blend of physical training and comprehensive support creates a holistic approach to empowering young people and addressing community needs.

Mission and Impact

Weight & Cakes’ core mission is to increase social inclusion, improve fitness and general well-being, and boost self-confidence among participants. They also inspire individuals to achieve their full potential, enabling them to live a more connected and healthier lifestyle in their safe and inclusive space based in Sunderland, Tyne and Wear.

The impact of their holistic approach has demonstrably improved young lives:

Increased School Attendance: Demonstrating a commitment to education.
Reduced Anti-Social Behaviour: Fostering a sense of responsibility within the community.
Growing Community Pride: Cultivating a positive and supportive environment

These achievements have not gone unnoticed. In 2022, Weight & Cakes earned the Social Enterprise of the Year award, cementing its status as a beacon of empowerment and community support.

Scaling Up with Firstport’s Support

Weight & Cakes secured a Social Enterprise Boost Fund from Firstport in January 2024 to reach more young people from financially disadvantaged backgrounds. This funding enabled them to:

Expand Reach: Introduce new weightlifting classes at Rangepark and Southwick primary schools.
Engage More Youth: Attract 12 new members to the successful Girls Group, with a waiting list highlighting its growing demand.

In future, with Firstport’s assistance, they plan to

Offer More Scholarships: Removing financial barriers for young people in need.
Introduce Family Nutrition Sessions: Promoting healthy eating habits for a holistic approach to well-being.
Extend Counselling Hours: Expanding access to mental health support.

A promising future

Weight & Cakes CIC stands as a shining example of how a community-focused organisation can leverage fitness to empower young people and foster positive change. Their dedication to individual growth and collective strength is building a healthier, more inclusive future for Sunderland’s youth. As they continue to break down barriers and make training and sports accessible to all, regardless of background or ability, Weight & Cakes is not just building stronger bodies but a stronger community.

Contact details

https://weightsandcakes.com/

https://www.firstport.org.uk/

Source:

Firstport

Firstport is a charity who for the last 16 years have been helping budding social entrepreneurs make their ideas happen. From the start, this included grant funding and business advice. Over the years, they have grown and developed new services including investment readiness support and social investment products, responding to the needs of the entrepreneurs they support.

Coming soon

Club club club