Empowering communities through strength
Express Medicals have been proud to sponsor Wythenshawe Weightlifting Club (WWC) for the last 4 years, and support their mission to empower individuals through sport. We are honoured to witness first-hand the profound impact that weightlifting can have on the lives of all types of people.
In this blog, we’re shining a light on just some of the amazing projects Wythenshawe Weightlifting Club are working on.
Prison Outreach Programme
The Club’s prison outreach initiative is a lifeline for many inmates in the North West of England. Originally launched at HMP Thorncross, this programme has expanded into three prisons and has already helped over 1000 inmates. Through focused training and the achievement of British Weightlifting (BWL) Level 1 coaching certificates, these individuals are being equipped with valuable skills that can pave the way to employment upon release.
Express Medicals is the sole sponsor of this project, which is already getting attention from BWL. Plans are underway to expand this programme nationally over the next two years, and we are committed to making this a reality.
One-to-One Abuse Recovery Programme
Building on the success of the prison outreach work, WWC has developed a 12-week one-to-one coaching program for young adults who have suffered abuse or homelessness and are at risk of offending. This program aims to instill self-discipline, self-belief, and confidence through weightlifting, leading participants towards further education and employment.
The results speak for themselves—of the three individuals who completed the pilot program, two are now in full-time employment. The success of this initiative is a testament to the power of tailored support, and we look forward to seeing this program grow in the coming year.
ADHD Programme
WWC has also been instrumental in supporting weightlifters with ADHD. In March of this year, the club hosted its first ADHD Coaches Conference, which attracted 83 BWL coaches and interested parties from across the UK. This event, funded by Express Medicals, was a significant step to providing coaches with the tools they need to support athletes with ADHD.
Talent Pathway
The Clu'b’s elite athlete programme continues to thrive. WWC has produced a squad of national and international athletes, with standout performers like Dylan Arthur, who has broken every junior British record in his weight class. Although injury forced him to withdraw from European Championships, Dylan is training hard for next year’s World Championships.
The Club’s continued success at the elite level has earned it recognition from British Weightlifting with Talent Pathway status. This designation allows them to run region training camps and extend their support to other sports like football and athletics. Express Medicals is honored to continue supporting this initiative, ensuring that young athletes have the resources they need to reach their full potential.
What’s next?
As we look to the future, it is clear that WWC's impact is only just beginning. Whether it’s helping inmates turn their lives around, supporting at-risk youth, raising awareness about ADHD, or nurturing the next generation of elite athletes, WWC is making a real difference in our community. We are proud to be a part of this journey and excited to see what the future holds.
Together, we are not just building strength in the gym; we are building strength in communities, providing hope, and creating opportunities where they are needed most.
