11/06/2026
On Wednesday, our Outreach Manager Jo visited Ella at Peak Performance Gym on Everton Brow, where she volunteers three mornings a week.
Ella first started coming along to Mencap Liverpool and Sefton in February. Keen to gain work experience, she began volunteering in our coffee shop one morning a week and has now added to this as she and her family have found a fantastic opportunity at Peak Performance Gym.
Since joining the team around three months ago, Ella has settled into a great routine. Her role involves helping to keep the café area clean, tidy and welcoming, as well as cleaning and maintaining the gym equipment. During the visit, Ella proudly showed Jo around the gym, including the café, boxing studio and some of the equipment she works with every day. One of her favourites is the ski machine.
As well as carrying out her volunteering role, Ella also joins in with the gym's classes. Her favourite is the popular DEKA class, which she admits can be hard work but is great fun. Ella is currently training for the Pretty Muddy 5K to raise money for Cancer Research UK, and after classes she often heads out for a run around Everton Brow with other members of the gym as part of her training.
Clark, Ella's manager, said:
"Ella is doing really well. She is a real asset to the team. Everyone has been really supportive of her and a couple of the people here regularly go for a run with her around Everton Park after class to help her train for Pretty Muddy. She has fitted right in and is a valued part of the team."
Ella said:
"I just love it. I love working here. I know everyone here and I love the DEKA classes - they are hard work but really good."
It was wonderful to see Ella so happy, confident and settled. Her story shows what is possible when people with a learning disability are given the chance to use their skills, pursue their interests and be recognised for what they can do.
Well done, Ella!
