May 2026-Community Update

Mind host second open morning with Mind in Barnet and Enfield.

Edmonton Leisure Centre hosted its second open morning for local residents, delivered in collaboration with Mind in Enfield and Barnet. More than 50 people came through the doors to explore what local services and activities have to offer. Nine stallholders took part in the event, including local NHS services, one 2 one Autism Service and Enfield Unity, each providing helpful information, advice and resources for residents looking to stay healthy, connected and supported. Visitors also enjoyed a range of free taster sessions, with self‑defence, yoga and chair based exercise proving especially popular. The morning created a positive space for residents to meet local organisations, discover new opportunities and get a feel for the leisure centre’s inclusive programme. Positive feedback was received back from all in attendance. The community team have followed up the event, with membership pathways for the service users including the give it a go referral offer.

Community team attend Barnet and Southgate college for recruitment talk.

In May, the Community Team visited Barnet Southgate College to deliver an engaging recruitment talk to a cohort of sports students. Speaking to a group of 40 learners, the team introduced students to GLL/Better and highlighted the organisation’s role as a charitable social enterprise. The session gave students a clear insight into the wide range of services GLL provides across its leisure centres, libraries and community programmes. The team also showcased the variety of employment pathways available within the organisation from lifeguarding and fitness roles to customer service, apprenticeships and wider career development opportunities. Students were encouraged to think about how their skills and interests could translate into meaningful roles within the leisure sector and all took part in a workshop to think about opportunities to get more young people active. The interactive format sparked plenty of questions and discussion, with many attendees expressing interest in future opportunities.

Centres in Enfield support Dementia Action week.

Leisure centres across Enfield came together in May to show their support for Enfield Dementia Action Week, joining local partners and community groups to raise awareness and promote understanding of dementia.Throughout the week, centres hosted a range of activities, information points and conversations designed to help residents learn more about dementia and the support available in the borough. Teams from the dementia action network and Age UK attended during sessions held across the partnership including the dementia swim session at Southbury and health walk in Edmonton, to speak to attendees about dementia, early diagnosis and dementia prevention. Activities were also opened up for free across the senior programme at Albany, to encourage those with dementia and their carers to attend.

Southbury host first holiday playscheme with offical partner Zidanne Sports.

Southbury Leisure Centre launched its first ever Holiday Playscheme in May, delivered in partnership with official activity provider Zidanne Sports. The new initiative brought energy, excitement and plenty of smiles as children from the local community took part in the week long holiday programme. The playscheme offered a varied programme of sports, games and team building activities, all led by qualified Zidanne Sports coaches. The programme received admirable feedback from families, many of whom welcomed the opportunity for high quality, affordable holiday activities in the partnership. The partnership with Zidanne Sports marks an important step in expanding the centre’s junior offer and providing more opportunities for young people to stay engaged and active throughout holiday periods.

All centres accredited breastfeeding friendly by Enfield breast feeding network.

Leisure centres across Enfield have officially become Breastfeeding Friendly accredited through a partnership with the Enfield Breastfeeding Network. The accreditation recognises each centre’s commitment to creating welcoming, supportive spaces for breastfeeding parents and families. As part of the accreditation process, staff teams received guidance on how to offer reassurance, signpost support and ensure parents feel comfortable feeding anywhere within the centres. Clear signage has also been introduced to highlight the borough wide commitment to being breastfeeding friendly.

Southbury host Transport for London Juior citizenship scheme.

Southbury Leisure Centre played host to the Transport for London (TfL) Junior Citizenship Scheme during the week of 18th – 22nd May, welcoming hundreds of young people for a series of practical, confidence‑building workshops. Across the week, the scheme engaged 574 year 6 pupils from 11 local primary schools, giving them the opportunity to take part in interactive sessions focused on personal safety, independent travel, emergency awareness and responsible decision making. TfL facilitators including the metropolitan police, London Fire brigade and Transport for London themselves, guided students through real life scenarios designed to help them navigate London safely and make informed choices in everyday situations. The scheme is set to continue in June for a second week.

Partnership with Tottenham Hotspur foundation strengthens in May.

The partnership between the Tottenham Hotspur Foundation and Better, is driving a surge in opportunities for women and girls in Enfield. Since launching in February at Southbury Leisure Centre, the women and girls football programme has seen remarkable growth, with participation rising week after week. Comprising of sessions from age 5 upwards, to walking football sessions for older women, the initiative was created to widen access to football, fitness, and community sport for women and girls of all ages and abilities. Sessions now welcome nearly 100 participants each week, attracting a diverse mix of participants, from complete beginners to those returning to sport after time away. The community team are now in talks with the foundation to expand on the women and girls offer, providing swimming lessons to women from ethnic minority backgrounds at Edmonton, into the summer months.

Captial City College work experiance lands full time position at Albany.

Albany Leisure Centre is celebrating a success story in May, after a Capital City College student secured a full time contract following a standout work experience placement. The student joined the Albany team as part of Capital City College’s work experience programme in March. During the placement Stefania impressed staff with her professionalism, enthusiasm and willingness to learn, quickly becoming a valued member of the team. Staff at Albany have praised her dedication and said they were delighted to welcome Stefania on board permanently. The success reinforces the value of work experience opportunities in helping young people gain confidence, build skills and take their first steps into long term employment.