May 2026 - Community Update
Sensory Pool Opens at Barnet Copthall Leisure Centre
On 27th May, Barnet Copthall Leisure Centre officially opened its new sensory pool lighting system with an “Under the Sea” themed celebration. Community members enjoyed swimming, soft play, hook-a-duck activities and even meeting a mermaid, while the new Mayor of Barnet, Zahra Beg, cut the ribbon and welcomed swimmers into the pool. The new sensory system combines adaptable lighting and integrated audio to create a calmer, more inclusive environment for swimmers who may benefit from reduced sensory stimulation. This investment helps make the facility more accessible and welcoming for a wider range of users, ensuring more children, young people and families can enjoy swimming in a supportive setting. Following the launch, a new sensory pool timetable has also been introduced.
Barnet supports Mental Health Awareness Week
During Mental Health Awareness Week (11th–17th May), staff and customers at Barnet Copthall and New Barnet Leisure Centres came together to spread kindness by writing supportive messages and creating drawings for people experiencing mental health challenges. The initiative received a fantastic response, with heartfelt notes shared with local mental health charities to provide encouragement to those in need. Thank you to everyone who contributed and helped make a positive difference through simple acts of kindness. Better Barnet is proud to support Mental Health Awareness Week and looks forward to bringing the community together again next year.
Better Balance in the community
Barnet Health Referral Coordinator Billy Phillips has launched the Better Balance programme at Burnt Oak Library as part of the library’s Loving Life initiative for residents aged 55 and over. The six-week programme focuses on falls prevention, improving physical activity levels and connecting participants with local leisure opportunities and Healthwise support. The first session welcomed 10 attendees, all of whom completed health checks, including blood pressure monitoring in support of OHID London’s Million Hearts and Minds initiative. Following its successful launch, the programme is set to expand to additional libraries, with Finchley Church End Library hosting the next course in August. One participant said the sessions had improved their confidence, balance and independence in daily life.
May half term activities round up
During the May half term, Barnet leisure centres delivered a packed programme of activities for children and families, including Swimming, Trampolining, Gymnastics, Climbing, Basketball, Junior Gym and Crash Courses. All centres saw strong participation, reflecting high demand for accessible and inclusive holiday activities across the borough. A highlight of the week was the opening of Finchley Lido outdoor pool, which proved extremely popular during the warm weather, with Swim for All sessions reaching 10,500 bookings across the week.
Better Barnet attends community Heart Health event at Golders Green Hippodrome
On 13th May, Community Sports Officer Lara Bone attended the Heart Health event at Golders Green Hippodrome as part of the Golders Green Information Fair, alongside Better Barnet and FAB Barnet colleagues. The event brought together over 100 staff from more than 40 partner organisations to promote community wellbeing, local facilities and physical activity opportunities. Twenty-five residents received blood pressure checks and were supported with advice on managing their heart health, with many signposted to ongoing services and support across the borough.