Having overcome her own weight and body image issues, Hannah Coates felt compelled to help others do the same.

“I've always had a passion to help others," the 31-year-old said.

It was back in September that finally opened The Unit, a gym that aims to build up the confidence of its users, and now Hannah's efforts has seen her shortlisted for an award.

"After battling and beating my own weight and body issues alongside mental health issues, I knew I had to do something to help others that need help and support too,” she told the Adver.

The gym caters to all aspects of personal training including classes, circuits, daily workout sessions, buddy sessions and semi private 121 sessions, but The Unit is far from a normal gym.

“It's unique and different because it isn't your typical gym. It isn’t overloaded with weights and machines and lines of treadmills,” explained Hannah

“I created a space where people that worry about going to a gym can come along and feel less anxious and worried and can build their confidence up.”

“It's a safe space of both mental wellbeing and fitness.”

Swindon Advertiser: The Unit aims to cater for those who need a safe space to work out in.The Unit aims to cater for those who need a safe space to work out in. (Image: Hannah Coates)

This is a real personal venture for Hannah, who moved to Swindon 10 years ago from the North East.

“I started it because I remembered how rubbish and upset, I felt when I tried going into a gym. I needed to lose weight, look after my body and health as well as battle my mental health,” she said.

“I don't want people to feel like they can't workout or do any fitness activity or go to the gym because they can. There is no judgement or hate.”

There are approximately over 30 different people who use The Unit each week and for those interested, the wellbeing benefits are endless according to Hannah

“People get their confidence back, realise life is worth living and that you can change your life for the better through fitness,” she said.

“I've got space where there isn't any judgement and always, 100% there to support people with their mind as well as fitness.”

The hard work is evidently paying off too as Hannah has been nominated and shortlisted for the South West Business Awards 2022.

“To be shortlisted is phenomenal as I just love to help others,” she concluded.

You can find The Unit in the Gorse Hill area of the town, with the rear workshop being behind the back to Co-operative store.