A HEALTH and fitness centre is backing a national campaign encouraging Carlisle to use its spending power to build a better world.

iCan Health and Fitness CIC, a social enterprise based in Denton Holme, is taking part in the Buy Social for a Better World Campaign urging its members to spend their money with social enterprises and create a positive impact through their everyday spend.

Social enterprises are businesses set up to build a better world – trading for a social or environmental purpose and re-investing the majority of their profits back towards their social mission.

Julia Clifford from iCan said: “iCan is a female fitness facility specialising in working with people who wouldn’t or couldn’t attend traditional fitness facilities.

“Maybe because you don’t like exercising around

gentleman, maybe because you are disabled and need more support or just need guidance throughout your health journey to keep

you on track at no extra cost.

“As a social enterprise

all funds from membership go back into the club, yes we pay our staff, rent and utilities, but everything else gets spent on iCan equipment, classes and improving our range of services.

“iCan has helped over 3,000 women and encourages people to live more active, healthier lives. Eighty six per cent of members say: “iCan has showed me that activity and healthy living is for everyone not just the fit to get fitter.

“In the last year iCan has grown from just three members of staff to seven increasing employment in Carlisle and we don’t plan to stop there, with future exciting community outreach projects set to launch in 2020.”