A well-known couple from Helston are hoping to open their own health and wellbeing hub in the centre of town and would like to tackle mental health as one of their first projects.

Josh and Jane Pett of JP Fitness Cornwall Services have plans for a shop in Wendron Street last used as The Bridal Studio, which is relocating to larger premises in Coinagehall Street.

The couple hope to carry out personal training, sports massage and weight management there, as well as run small fitness classes.

Mr Pett told the Packet: "We are a husband and wife team and set up JP Fitness Cornwall with the aim of offering fitness opportunities to those who are lacking in confidence, don’t enjoy a typical gym environment or need additional support with their fitness journey.

"We will use the facility for our small group fitness classes, in keeping with our beginner focused ethos.

"Additionally we will utilise the space as a personal training studio, further increasing the fitness experience for those who would like to train in private, rather than in the public eye."

The couple plan to offer sports massage therapy and weight management, as well as use the building as a club house for their affiliated running club meetings and athlete development sessions.

They also hope to use the space between classes as an ‘open gym’, encouraging people to go in and "do their own thing" in a supervised and beginner-friendly environment, in a bid to promote fitness.

"The number of users at any one time will be limited to a small number, enhancing the beginner-friendly experience. This will be particularly beneficial for those who are self conscious and need a quiet, inclusive training environment.

"We have liaised with several health professionals, including one of the main GP surgeries in Helston and other social prescribers.

"We are in the advanced stages of setting up a health referral scheme through our community group Hellys Health & Fitness Community.

"Initially, we will start with our mental well-being project, allowing the local community to access a specific fitness course designed to meet the exercise prescription guidelines for those suffering with anxiety, depression and stress.

"This could be an alternative to medication and is something that could be offered via the patient’s GP or other NHS social prescribers.

"We are now in our sixth year and wish to expand to offer more services that we are unable to provide from the space we rent at the Cattle Market. Therefore the introduction of a health and well-being hub in the centre of town will enable the community to access even more inclusive fitness opportunities with a variety of services."

Applying to Cornwall Council for a change of use, the building's owner Christopher Hutchings said they hoped to move in "as soon as possible," adding: "There will be no machinery or rowing machines or cycle machines or weights or loud music sometimes associated with a fitness centre type of gym.

"The health and wellbeing centre use mats and soft exercise balls, and quiet exercise routines, sports massage and counselling. "There will be no heavy equipment fixed to the walls so the interior of the shop will more or less remain as it is now."