Access Gyms: Making VI Fitness Better
Saturday 11 March 12:00pm - 2:45pm
Pancras Square Leisure, 5 Pancras Square, Camden, London, N1C 4AG
London Sight Loss Council invites blind and partially sighted people living in London to their ‘Access Gyms: Making VI fitness better’ event on 11 March 2023.
About the event
London Sight Loss Council (SLC) is excited to welcome you to learn about the accessibility of gyms and leisure centres. It will be a great opportunity to help grow your confidence with using your local facilities. You will learn how you can get involved in fitness across the capital and hear about research in the field.
We will be joined by London SLC member, Davinder Kuller, Martin Symcox, Head of Leisure and Sport Development at Thomas Pocklington Trust, and Louise Dixon, CEO of Illuminate Freedom. We will also be joined by representatives from Better Gym Management.
Davinder Kullar, LSLC member, said:
“Come join this fantastic opportunity to find out about how fitness is accessible for all. There will be hints and tips from experienced fitness enthusiasts and professionals alike. It will be a friendly and welcoming environment, ready to tackle any questions you may have.”
The event will begin with a panel discussion followed by a question-and-answer session. You will be able to find out more on how to access leisure facilities and break down any barriers you may face.
This will be followed by an accessible dance class with Louise Dixon and Adriana Duarte, Community Sport Officer at Pancras Square Leisure. There will also be an opportunity to do a ‘touch tour’ of the gym, learning about the equipment and accessibility features.
After the event, there is an optional disability swim session from 3pm. You will be asked if you would like to join this at the time of booking.
Martin Symcox, Head of Sport and Leisure at Thomas Pocklington Trust, said:
“We believe that physical activity has the capability to make a positive impact on people’s lives. We recognise just how important it is for there to be equitable opportunities for blind and partially sighted people to participate.
“I am looking forward to sharing how Thomas Pocklington Trust and Sight Loss Councils are working in partnership with the sport and leisure sector to improve opportunities for blind and partially sighted people to be as active as they want to be.”
Adriaina Duarte, Community Sport Officer, Better, added:
“We are so excited to be welcoming the blind and partially sighted community into our leisure centre to break down barriers to sport and physical activity.
“We look forward to learning from this community and understanding how to make our leisure centre more accessible.”
Numbers are limited so book now to avoid disappointment.
Event details
- Date and time: Saturday 11 March, from 12 – 2.45pm
- Optional disability swim session at 3.00pm
- Venue: Pancras Square Leisure, 5 Pancras Square, Camden, London, N1C 4AG
- This event is free to attend. Light refreshments will be provided.
- Sighted Guides from Better will be available to assist attendees.
- Guide Dogs are welcome at the venue.
- If you are bringing a guide or companion with you, they will need to book a separate place, under their name, to attend. This is to enable us to manage numbers for the size of the venue.
- Closing date: Friday 10 March 2023, midday.
- By signing up to this event you consent to participating in moderate physical activity
About Sight Loss Councils
This event is a London Sight Loss Council event. Attending the event is also a great way to find out more about the work of the Sight Loss Council and the ways in which people can get involved.
Sight Loss Councils are led by blind and partially sighted members. Together, they tackle local issues and work with businesses and service providers to improve the accessibility of their services.
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