COST OF SWIMMING IN GREENWICH SLASHED THIS WINTER IN RESPONSE TO COST OF LIVING CRISIS
Adults Swim for a Quid and Families Swim for a Fiver
Better, the charitable social enterprise that operates leisure centres, libraries and children’s centres across Royal Greenwich has launched a new initiative offering low cost swimming for both adults and families this winter.
The scheme is open to adult Greenwich One Card holders, with the ‘swim for a quid’ sessions available Monday - Friday 1.30pm - 3.30pm (term time only) at The Greenwich Centre, The Eltham Centre, Waterfront Leisure Centre and Thamesmere Leisure Centre. The family swimming offer is available to groups of up to 6 people, with a wide range of fun swim sessions at the local swimming pools.
Family swimming sessions and locations as follows:
- Sunday 12.00 - 2.00pm (main pool only)
- Wednesday 4.00 - 7.00pm
- Friday 5.00 - 7.00pm
- Saturday 2.00 - 3.30pm
- Sunday 1.00 - 3.30pm
This new offer is being delivered in partnership with the Royal Borough of Greenwich and is one of a number of free and or low cost programmes put in place to support residents in the current cost of living crisis, as well as tackling the health inequalities caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
Better’s Partnership Manager in Greenwich, Richard Gallagher said:
“We are proud to be working in close partnership with the Royal Borough of Greenwich to give residents the opportunity to swim affordably and stay active and well throughout the winter.
“As a charitable social enterprise, we exist to improve the health and wellbeing of local communities by raising activity levels. Removing barriers to participation and encouraging residents to use their local leisure facilities has never been more important.”
Cllr Adel Khaireh, Cabinet Member for Equality, Culture and Communities said:
"The Royal Borough of Greenwich is doing amazing work with its Greenwich Supports programme during the cost of living crisis. We're determined to provide essential support as well as ensuring families across the borough still live a good quality of life and continue to get out and stay active.
Taking advantage of these local swimming offers will provide a great family day out and benefit your mental and physical health."
Swim bookings can be made in centre or in advance, either online or via the Better App.
Find out more
Other initiatives to support local residents
Free ‘Give it a Go’ Memberships
GLL have also partnered with the Council to offer hundreds of free 6-week ‘Give it a Go’ memberships to local residents. Give it a Go memberships are designed for those who are new to exercise, or coming back to it after a period of inactivity. Each membership includes full access to the chosen leisure centre, including gym, swim and classes – plus enhanced support throughout. Memberships are being distributed via the Council, who are identifying the residents most in need of the offer.
Greenwich Libraries
As well as offering a wide range of books, CDs and digital resources, Greenwich Libraries are offering a warm welcome to residents this winter. Anyone can come and spend as long as they want in the library, charge their phone or tablet and access the WiFi – and enjoy tea, coffee and biscuits - all for free.
Start Up Greenwich
The summer, Start Up Greenwich launched a free membership programme for local entrepreneurs offering 1-2-1 support, insight, access to business resources, expert-led workshops and opportunities to test business ideas.