Lilian’s Room

PLACES

CASE STUDY

Combining power-assisted technology with advanced solutions such as augmented reality, rehabilitation applications and therapeutic tools, Lilian’s Room bridges the gap between traditional fitness and health. Lilian’s Room is the latest project from Wave Active and another example of how the operator is delivering integrated health solutions designed around community need.

Launched in February 2026 at Downs Leisure Centre, Seaford, the space is named in honour of Lilian Davis, who regularly attended health outreach sessions delivered by Wave Active in her local care home. It combines power-assisted exercise, rehabilitation technology and social engagement to better support people living with long-term health conditions, recovering from illness or injury or simply returning to activity after time away.

The concept was co-designed with Innerva, whose expertise in active ageing and rehabilitation helped to shape both the physical layout of the room and mix of equipment on offer. Innerva partners with proven solutions in the health and rehabilitation space, with a focus on providing a pathway from a hospital to community settings.

“Working with the Wave Active team, we have integrated our power-assisted technology with advanced solutions including augmented reality, rehabilitation applications and therapeutic tools. Lilian’s Room is a safe, accessible environment designed to support recovery, reduce the risk of injury and falls and enable long-term improvements in strength, mobility and confidence,” says Liz Wright, National Sales Manager at Innerva.

“It’s a fantastic example of how inclusive, adaptive environments can deliver measurable health and wellbeing outcomes through physical activity and social connection.”

INTEGRATING HEALTH AND WELLBEING Previously a multi-use room, the 12.9 x 8.3sq m space is now a welcoming, flexible environment featuring several key activity zones including a 10-piece power-assisted exercise circuit from Innerva, which allows users to build strength, mobility and confidence while reducing the risk of strain or injury.

The space also includes specialist neuro- rehabilitation tools, including the Strolll digital augmented reality rehabilitation system – the first time the technology has been installed in a non-clinical setting in the UK. Using AR glasses, Strolll delivers guided therapeutic programmes supporting balance, mobility, functional movement and cognitive engagement. The see-through lenses allow the real world to remain visible which enables Wave Active’s in-house physiotherapist, neuro physiotherapist, health practitioners and health coach to deliver high-impact, immersive therapy in a safe and supportive environment.

Working with the Wave Active team, we have integrated our power-assisted technology with advanced solutions including augmented reality, rehabilitation applications and therapeutic tools

Lilian’s Room also offers Tiny Tablets, large format interactive touchscreen tables that can be used for rehabilitation apps, memory work, coordination exercises and social interaction. Widely used in care and therapy settings, the tables are fully portable and accessible and can be used by individuals and groups while encouraging digital confidence.

In the group exercise area of the room, Wave Active Health offer sessions including chair-based, stroke rehab, falls prevention and more.

DESIGNED FOR SOCIAL CONNECTION Lilian’s Room is staffed throughout the day to ensure users receive the support and guidance they need to engage with the facilities. The open-plan layout is designed to encourage curiosity, interaction and social connection. For example, someone taking part in the Innerva circuit can see across the room to those interacting with the touch tables. This sparks conversation and often encourages people to try something new.

Designed to feel familiar, approachable and appropriate for many people who cannot or choose not to use mainstream gym facilities, Lilian’s Room offers a genuinely accessible entry point into health and wellbeing.

“Lilian benefited from the types of classes we were running in care home settings, so it was important that this space offered activities she could have engaged with. As operators, we have a responsibility to support the 86 per cent of the population who don’t belong to a gym, finding alternative, more accessible ways to meet their health and wellbeing needs. Lilian’s Room offers a softer, more welcoming pathway into rehabilitation than a clinical environment. With the Wave Active Health brand dedicated to supporting people with health conditions, this purpose-built space fully aligns with that mission, offering an environment designed around people’s needs rather than simply around equipment,” says Duncan Kerr, CEO of Wave Active.

The impact of Lilian’s Room is already being felt across the community, with users travelling from outside the area to use the facilities and many reporting significant benefits, from reduced pain to improved mobility and confidence.

Wave Active plans to build on this success, exploring how the model can be adapted to meet different local needs, including ‘lighter’ versions of Lilian’s Room, says Kerr.

“We will consult with local GPs to understand the needs they are seeing in their surgeries, so we can put services in place to address them. It’s all about reaching those people who don’t fit into mainstream fitness. By creating supportive, inclusive spaces like Lilian’s Room, we can help more people become active regardless of their ability.”