August Community News
SEND Camp
In partnership with Access Sport and the wider Lewisham Disability Sports Network, throughout the month of August the Alex Yee Ladywell Arena has held multi sport days as a summer camp. Across the month we have worked with Access Sport, AT Athletics, Aquila Taekwondo, Sporticus, South East London Tennis, Trinity Laban and Wheels for Wellbeing. Sessions have run twice a week at the venue throughout August. The GLA who have provided funding for the camp, attended one day of the camp and were very impressed by the number of attendees, the range of activities on offer as well as receiving lots of positive feedback from parents they spoke to. Better and Access Sport provided a background to the need for this project and future plans thanks to the funding they have provided. The dates for October half term and Easter 2026 have been agreed and booked in at the centre.
Riverside Youth Centre event
The team at Wavelengths Leisure Centre were represented at the Riverside Youth Centre. Invited by the Safer Communities Service at Lewisham Council. The team were on hand to promote the centre and the range of activities on offer, from softplay to swimming, birthday parties to gym. This was part of a summer of engagement events held by the Safer Communities Service.
Run Bike Run mini
Alex Yee Ladywell Arena hosted our second Run Bike Run event at the centre. Having learnt from our first event, we increase the capacity and split the age groups creating an event for under 10’s and those 10-16. 14 people signed up to the event. All attendees thoroughly enjoyed the event with one attending for a second time. For everyone else it was there first time trying a multi discipline event. Like the first event we received lots of praise from the parents of those who took part for the professionalism and smooth running of the event.
Food Bank event at Glass Mill
Glass Mill hosted a Come and See, who offered a Foodbank alongside a broader offering including clothing and cosmetics. 16 attendees made use of this offer. Food was donated by Sainsburys, as well as other bits from a charity in Elephant and Castle. Come and See also ran a prize draw for families to get free family swims to the building, this offer was made available to 3 families. They have booked another event with us in December
Post Results Clearing Day Job Fair
Better were invited by Baseline Lewisham to attend this careers event on GCSE exam results day. The event was attended by numerous employers such as the Army and Met Police, to training and advice services. It was also an opportunity for groups to network amongst themselves. We've set up meeting with Blueprint for All, to give careers talks and advice sessions. We have also set up a meeting with a FI training provider who have newly qualified staff looking for work.
HAF Swimming lessons
Throughout August the wet centres across the borough provided swimming lessons to HAF funded groups. Across the borough we taught
- 503 swimmers from 41 groups.
This is the most we have taught since delivering this initiative. Plans are being made for future holidays
Strive 25 T1 rugby event
We toured Women in Tag Rugby around Bellingham Leisure & Lifestyle Centre as they are looking to utilise the Strive25 funding made available through England hosting the Women’s Rugby World Cup. A bid has been submitted, and we have been successful in getting the money. They are looking to do a taster tournament on Sunday 21st September 1pm – 5pm. If you’re interest please visit. This event is also being supported by London Sport