We’re building something bigger.
JackedFruit will be a community gym and wellbeing space in Manchester for LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent people – created for those of us who have never quite felt at home in traditional gyms.
This isn’t just about fitness. It’s about having a space where you can show up as you are, feel safe, and actually want to be there.
Why Manchester needs a more inclusive gym space
For a lot of us, gyms can feel overwhelming, intimidating, or just not designed with us in mind.
There are some great inclusive classes out there, but there isn’t really a dedicated space where you can train independently, at your own pace, in an environment that feels genuinely supportive and affirming.
Whether it’s sensory overload, lack of representation, or just that underlying feeling of not quite belonging – it can make something that should feel empowering feel stressful instead.
And that means a lot of people miss out on the physical and mental benefits of movement altogether.
And that’s why we’re building a BIG GAY GYM.
Creating a Low-Sensory Gym for LGBTQIA+ and Neurodivergent Communities
JackedFruit will be a low-sensory, inclusive gym space designed with our community at the centre.
A place where you will be able to:
- train independently without feeling watched or judged
- access support if and when you want it
- feel represented in the space around you
- build confidence at your own pace
Alongside gym access, we will also be building a wider wellbeing offer – workshops, sessions, and community-led events that support both physical and mental wellbeing.
Why JackedFruit Is a Community Interest Company (CIC)?
JackedFruit is set up as a Community Interest Company (C.I.C.).
That means everything we do is for community benefit. Any profit we make will be reinvested back into the space – helping us keep it accessible, improve what we offer, and reach more people.
It’s not about building something for profit – it’s about building something that lasts and genuinely supports the people it’s for.
Where We Are in the JackedFruit Journey
Right now, we’re in the early stages.
We’re applying for grants and preparing to launch a crowdfunding campaign to help bring the space to life. We’re also working with the community to shape what this looks like, so it’s built around real needs – not assumptions.
How You Can Support the JackedFruit Community Gym Project
If this is something you’ve been looking for too, there are a few simple ways to support:
- Follow us on Instagram/TikTok to stay up to date and be part of the journey
- Sign up to our mailing list to hear about the crowdfunding launch, events, and ways to get involved
- Share the project with someone who might need it
- Get involved when we start running events and sessions
- Drop us a message if you’d like to get involved or collaborate with us in any way
Every bit of support makes a real difference at this stage.
A bit about us
JackedFruit has grown out of lived experience and years of inclusive coaching within the LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent community.
We’ve seen first-hand how much of a difference the right environment can make – and how many people are currently missing that.
This project is about taking that one step further – creating a space that’s intentionally designed for the people who need it most.
Help us build a more inclusive gym in Manchester
This is just the beginning. If JackedFruit sounds like something you’ve needed, we’d love you to be part of it.
You can follow along on social media or join the mailing list to stay connected as we build this together.