Students at Tresham College, part of The Bedford College Group, are celebrating the launch of a brand-new outdoor calisthenics rig at its Wellingborough campus.

The new fitness installation was officially unveiled last week with a launch event that featured live demonstrations, student competitions and a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The journey to installation began more than two years ago when the college introduced calisthenics taster sessions for students, delivered by local community organisation The Compound Wellingborough. The sessions, initially run with brickwork and carpentry students, proved so popular that students fed back a strong desire for permanent on-site equipment.

Calisthenics rig

Following this feedback, Student Engagement Manager at Tresham College, Naj Mistry, successfully secured £1,000 from The Skills & Education Group. While this initial funding was not enough to cover full installation costs, it marked the start of a wider investment into creating meaningful enrichment opportunities and supporting student wellbeing through positive physical activity.

In October 2025, the Wellingborough campus received additional funds as part of its capital budget allocation for outdoor equipment. Students were invited to vote on two proposed calisthenics rig designs, with the winning option installed in the campus’s dedicated student outdoor area.

Naj Mistry said:

“This project is a fantastic example of student voice in action. Our students asked for this equipment after experiencing calisthenics sessions, and we listened. The rig gives them a healthy, constructive way to use their time, build resilience and develop confidence. We know from previous feedback that activities like this have a direct positive impact on mental health and wellbeing.”

The sessions have been delivered in partnership with Kamlesh Parmar, Lead Coach and Mentor at The Compound Wellingborough, a community-based organisation in Wellingborough that supports young people and adults through structured physical training, mentoring and positive role modelling.

Kamlesh Parmar continued:

“Calisthenics training builds discipline, focus and goal setting, and those skills transfer directly into everyday life. The mental health benefits of movement, especially outdoors, are huge. Having permanent equipment at the college means students can train safely, set goals and see real progress. For many young people, opportunities like this simply wouldn’t exist without funding and community support.”

The rig allows for a full-body workout and supports exercises such as pull-ups, dips, chin-ups, press-ups and static holds. Previously, equipment had to be transported on-site for each session. Permanent installation now enables more in-depth workshops and regular lunchtime sessions for students.

The equipment, for student use only, forms part of the college’s wider commitment to improving wellbeing, enrichment opportunities and positive campus culture.

For more information about Tresham College, Wellingborough, visit: https://bedfordcollegegroup.ac.uk/colleges-and-campuses/tresham-college/wellingborough-campus/

To find out more about The Compound Wellingborough, visit: http://thecompoundwellingborough.co.uk/

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