Haverfordwest strength training gym helps more West Wales Parkinson’s communities to live well in 2026
A strength training gym in Haverfordwest is helping more Parkinson’s communities across West Wales to live well in the spring and beyond.
Strength Academy Wales (SAW) is a voluntary organisation which offers inclusive opportunities for health, fitness and wellbeing to help all ages and abilities enjoy an active lifestyle in Haverfordwest and the surrounding areas.
SAW offers support to people living with Parkinson’s through strength training classes which are delivered at a purpose-built gym in Haverfordwest and have been part-funded by Parkinson’s UK.
Simon Roach is the Lead Volunteer at Strength Academy Wales, and his personal connection to Parkinson’s inspired him to support local people living with the condition. Simon says:
“Strength Academy Wales (SAW) is a not-for-profit, volunteer-led community hub in Pembrokeshire. We use strength training as a way to support people’s health, wellbeing and connection with others and our programmes are open to all ages and abilities.
“I founded SAW after many years of coaching weightlifting and strength sports, and I’ve seen how powerful this type of training can be - not just for physical progress, but also for confidence and community.
“I also have my own personal connection to Parkinson’s, as my father lived with the condition.”
“That experience made me determined to create something meaningful for others locally. I was also encouraged by a retired GP, who is part of our Age Well programme, to explore how strength training could benefit people living with Parkinson’s. With support from Parkinson’s UK, we launched the Parkinson’s Strength Group.”
“We started small, but word spread quickly and the sessions have now grown into an established and much-valued part of our timetable.
“The idea of delivering a strength based training class has always been something that’s close to me, particularly because of my father’s experience.
“I know how tough it can be for people with Parkinson’s and their families to find the right opportunities to stay active. When the chance came to shape a programme at SAW, it felt very natural to do so.
“I wanted to offer a safe, welcoming space, where people could build strength, move with more confidence, and also feel the benefit of being with others who understand their challenges. Supporting people with Parkinson’s has become a really important part of what we do at SAW, and I’m proud of the impact it is making.
“I have been involved in coaching Olympic Weightlifting and strength sports for many years, from grassroots through to high performance, but what has always driven me is the belief that strength training is for everyone. I’ve seen time and again how it can help people of all ages and backgrounds to move more, feel healthier, and gain confidence.
“Beyond coaching, my focus has always been on building community and supporting others to live well. That’s why I set up SAW.”
“My aim was always to create a not-for-profit, volunteer-driven hub where strength could be used as a tool for wellbeing and inclusion. Over the years we’ve developed programmes for older adults, unpaid carers, people living with dementia, arthritis and now Parkinson’s.
“My background combines coaching experience with a deep commitment to making strength training accessible, safe and enjoyable for everyone.
The Parkinson’s sessions continue to go from strength to strength at Strength Academy Wales and the team has recently invited new community volunteers to support the team.
Strength Academy Wales (SAW) continues to support people living with Parkinson’s to live well with the condition. Find out more about SAW by visiting their website.
About Strength Academy Wales
We offer inclusive opportunities for health, fitness and strength training activities which focus on working together, building relationships and improving wellbeing for people from all walks of life, ages and abilities.
Working in partnership with Pembrokeshire Leisure, we support many local sports people, developing their strength and conditioning to progress through various sporting pathways.
We are a Weightlifting academy for the National Governing body and have a long term athlete development programme to support aspiring competitive weightlifters.
In addition, SAW is a Disability Sport Wales ‘In Sport’ club, a registered Special Olympic club and a licensed British Weightlifting club.
Our members become stronger, fitter and heather; make new friends; feel good, socialise and have improved mental health.
Our expertise includes, youth health and fitness, weightlifting, disability strength and conditioning, sports performance, senior citizen health and fitness and supporting various groups ranging from those with learning difficulties, carers, families and people with various health issues.
Our inclusive ethos promotes wellbeing and social interaction, tackles loneliness and raises levels of self-esteem and wellbeing.
We are a social enterprise based in Haverfordwest, not for profit and for community benefit. Community work is overseen by a Board of six directors. The company is voluntarily managed with some part time employed positions.
Volunteers and employees have excellent experience and are suitably qualified. In addition to graduate and post graduate qualifications, all team members are DBS enhanced, have completed first aid, safeguarding and other relevant courses.
The organisation relies on volunteers especially to support at events, to support administration, and to grow the work with hard to reach groups, along with the coaching of higher level strength athletes both in training and at Welsh and UK events.