The real value of an Inclusion Officer

Juliet brings a varied career background, having previously worked in aviation as cabin crew and subsequently as a safety and security trainer. Her transition into community inclusion work was sparked by her own lived experience as a parent supporting a child with Special Educational Needs (SEN) who was unable to access full-time education.

Juliet explains: “I had to give up my career to be there for my son and, to be honest, it was quite a sad time for us as family. We felt isolated and I was desperate to enrich my son’s life, so we started regularly visiting Horizon Leisure’s Havant Leisure Centre. It soon became a crucial space for us, giving us a routine, opportunities for physical development and the chance to socialise with other children and families through activities such as swimming, soft play and dodgeball.

“It also gave me the chance to focus on my own wellbeing whilst my son was engaged in group activities. I could pop to the gym for a quick workout allowing a much-needed bit of ‘me time’.”

When Juliet saw the job of Inclusion Officer advertised, she knew it was the perfect role for her. “My own experience of learning what was available to us and how it benefitted my family makes me unapologetically passionate about helping others find a suitable pathway to overall better wellbeing,” she says.

“Our leisure centres are amazing places; they really are the heart and soul of the community. There is so much available for our residents, whatever their background or personal circumstances. Ultimately my job as an Inclusion Officer is to join the dots and connect people and families with all the possibilities. It isn’t to dictate, it’s to listen, to be out in the community, learning about specific blockers to access and then finding real-world opportunities to break those barriers down and ensure Horizon’s services are accessible, relevant and welcoming to everyone.”

Instead of imposing a top-down, commercial framework to her role, Juliet works directly alongside local communities and groups. She focuses on understanding the unique dynamics of diverse groups, including neurodivergent children, low-income families and women with specific health needs to deliver tailored support.

She explains: “As this is an entirely new role, my strategy has been to develop trust between Horizon Leisure and community groups. I visit local community hubs, food banks, colleges, schools and support groups to sit down and listen to individuals directly. By actively asking what they need from physical activity rather than making assumptions, I can create programmes tailored to genuine local need.

“Importantly, the role is about more than simply promoting leisure services. It is about listening to people and helping to create pathways into physical activity that feel achievable and appropriate for them.”

During Mental Health Awareness Month, Juliet created a unique and human approach to mental wellbeing called ‘moving one bench at a time’. She says: “I would schedule time in my diary to sit on public benches across Havant with an open invitation to chat. I had so many honest conversations with residents on those benches about why physical activity wasn’t part of their daily life. I listened to their struggles and found out what scared them about physical activity, allowing me signpost them to some of Horizon’s programmes, such as the Wellbeing Hub health checks and specialist classes. Sometimes being an open, smiley face providing a cheery chat is the ideal starting point.”

Working part-time, Juliet brings lived empathy to Horizon Leisure and acts as an advocate out in the field, representing the charity in non-traditional leisure spaces. By listening and building trust, in just one year, Juliet has delivered immense social value, ensuring Horizon Leisure fulfils its core mission of inspiring a healthier, happier and more inclusive community.