Live Well, Get Active with SE London SLC
Saturday 25 October 12:00pm - 5:00pm
Sidcup Leisure Centre, Hurst Road, Sidcup, DA15 9AE
Are you blind or partially sighted, live in south east London, and looking for new ways to stay active? Join our Live Well, Get Active day and try something different!
South East London Sight Loss Council (SLC) and Parkwood Leisure invite blind and partially sighted (BPS) people across London and north west Kent to their free, multi-sport taster event at Sidcup Leisure Centre on Saturday. 25 October.
This event brings together a range of accessible activities to support health, fitness, and well-being. From VI Tennis and VI Cricket to introductions to spin, Zumba, and yoga, there’s something for everyone to try. Led by experienced coaches, each session is designed so that all abilities can participate inclusively. After the main event, attendees can book an optional VI Swim or VI Gym Induction session, led by Parkwood Leisure.
A day to try, explore, and enjoy
Nicki Guy, Senior Engagement Manager (South) for Thomas Pocklington Trust, said:
“We’re delighted to run this event with Parkwood Leisure, and to have Metro Blind Sport bringing their expertise to the day. As part of our ‘Accessible sport and leisure’ project in SE London, we’ve been working closely with Parkwood over the past year to improve accessibility across their facilities.
“We’d love you to join us for our event. We want to break down barriers and show both the VI community and wider society that sport and leisure can be inclusive. There’s something for everyone, so come along, try some new activities, and experience how accessible and enjoyable sport can be!”
Having faced barriers to sport themselves, our volunteers actively show blind people how they can get involved and enjoy being active, as they explain in their own words:
Denise, South East London SLC member, said:
“I have always struggled to engage in sport or sustain regular exercise, partly due to my lifelong visual impairment and partly due to laziness. Then I went to a Swing Patrol dance class, ten years ago, which was one of the best decisions I ever made, given how much enjoyment and fitness I have gained from it, I would recommend it to anyone.
“This year I started ballroom dancing with Step Change Studio and competed with other visually impaired dancers at Blackpool. It was a fantastic experience!
“Our Live Well, Get Active day will allow you to explore fitness In its broadest sense through a wide range of activities. We hope to see you there.”
Steve Reed, SE London SLC member, shares:
“Before sight loss, I was always sporty — I loved playing in teams, the camaraderie, and staying healthy. After losing my sight, I felt the need for sport even more, but accessing it was a challenge. I tried VI football, cricket and tennis, but after an injury I decided contact sports weren’t for me.
“That’s when I found VI bowls, and I never thought I’d enjoy it as much as I do, it’s perfect! I’ve been playing with Metro Blind Sport for over 18 months, and I thoroughly enjoy the weekly sessions. They get me out of the house, keep me socially active – as well as physically – and most importantly, it’s a lot of fun. This year I joined my local sighted club, where I play matches alongside sighted players and others with disabilities. I’m just another member of the team, and I love that. I’ve also recently joined VI Bowls England, playing alongside VI England internationals who’ve been in the sport for decades. Hopefully I can follow in their footsteps, but for now I’m just enjoying staying physically, socially and mentally active.”
“You should come to our multi-sport event to stay fit and healthy – not just physically, but mentally too. A healthy mind and body go hand in hand. You’ll also get out of the house, meet new people, and enjoy experiences that all help support positive well-being.”
Ching Chau, SE London Sight Loss Council volunteer, adds:
“I practise yoga and I love how it helps me feel fully relaxed and recharged.
“Our multi-sport taster day is the perfect chance to exercise in a group setting and discover what support is available at Sidcup leisure centre.
“I hope it will help me to overcome any hesitation about using the facilities on my own. I see it as a great opportunity to build confidence and gain a sense of independence.”
Meet the people making it happen
Hannah Gilday, Head of Healthy Communities & Partnerships at Parkwood Leisure (working with Lex Leisure), who is partnering on the event, said:
“We are passionate about making our centres welcoming for everyone. Let’s Get Active is a brilliant way to celebrate Blind Awareness Month and Invisible Disabilities Week and demonstrate how sport can be adapted so that nobody is left out.
“Working with partners like Thomas Pocklington Trust and Sight Loss Councils, we want to show that leisure centres can be a place where everyone feels supported and able to take part. Whether you’re blind, partially sighted, or simply want to support the community, come and get involved and experience the difference inclusive sport can make.”
London charity, Metro Blind Sport, will be leading VI Tennis and Vi Cricket. Rory Field, CEO, said:
“I encourage anyone who is thinking about coming to the activity day to go for it — and maybe even bring someone else along too. Physical activity is not only good for you, it also helps you feel happier, meet new people, and build friendships. The day is for anyone who’s interested in being active, or even just getting out of the house to enjoy time with others. I look forward to seeing you there!”
Also joining us on the day, is Louise Dickson, Founder and Artistic Director of Illuminate Freedom Health and Well-Being. Louise will be running VI Zumba sessions during the event and added:
“Join Illuminate Freedom Health and Well-Being for an invigorating and inclusive audio described VI Zumba taster session!
“VI Zumba is a Latin inspired, gentle yet exhilarating, dance fitness session. It enables men and women with sight loss of all ages and abilities to enjoy and improve their health and fitness through movement. Lose weight, get fitter and stronger, meet new friends and have some fun!”
Steve, SE London SLC member, during a game of bowls
Event Details
- Date and time: Saturday 25 October, 12pm–5pm
- Address: Sidcup Leisure Centre, Hurst Rd, Sidcup, DA15 9AE
- Our Let’s Get Active day is completely free, but registration is essential for everyone attending.
- Sighted guides will be available on the day.
- Booking close on Wednesday, 22 October at 5pm
Book your place for Let’s Get Active at Sidcup Leisure Centre
If you have any questions or require further information, please contact Liam O’Carroll at liam.ocarroll@ocklington.org.uk
Frequently Asked Questions
How do we get to Sidcup Leisure Centre?
Bus: The centre is located at Hurst Road, Sidcup DA15 9AE. Sidcup Leisure Centre has its own bus stop ‘Sidcup Leisure Centre, stop B’ served by the 229.
Train: Sidcup train station is a short walk away, and is served by Southeastern trains. There are regular services to and from central London (including London Bridge, Charing Cross and Cannon Street) as well as Dartford and beyond.
Parking: The car park has spaces for vehicles including accessible parking, motorcycles and bicycle rack. Our car park is chargeable Monday – Saturday from 08:00 to 18:00.
Will there be guides at the leisure centre?
Yes, there will be staff and volunteers who will assist people to get to their chosen activity. However, we cannot guarantee it will be on a one-to-one basis, as we do not know how many people will register to attend.
We would ask that you are patient with those working hard to help you get to where you want to go.
Will there be a maximum number of people able to participate in a sport at any one time?
Yes, we will ensure that group sizes are not too large for each activity.
When booking online, you can indicate your preferred activities. Sessions will run across three areas — the main gym hall, spin studio, and dance studio — and participants will rotate so everyone can try multiple activities.
Can I be guaranteed a place in my preferred sport or activity?
We’ll do our best to match you with your preferred or favourite sport or activity. However, places are limited, so we can’t guarantee a spot in every session. We encourage you to try a variety of activities to make the most of Let’s Get Active Day.
Can I bring my guide dog?
Yes, guide dogs are welcome.
What should I wear?
Something comfortable and not restrictive, and trainers if you have them. You do not need expensive sportswear. If you choose to join Sidcup Leisure Centre’s VI Swim session at the end of the event, please bring a swimming costume and towel.
Are there changing facilities?
Yes, there is a changing room, but we would encourage you to arrive, ready to go. On the day, we’ll give you directions to where you need to go.
Is there somewhere for refreshments?
Yes. There is a café in the reception area serving hot and cold drinks. We recommend that attendees bring a packed lunch if they would like something to eat, and we also encourage everyone to bring a water bottle for the day.
Can I bring my family with me?
Yes, we want this to be a fun day for everyone. As long as someone in your family group is blind or partially sighted, all can join in and participate in the activities.
Please make sure children always stay with an adult so no one gets lost or hurt.
Do I need to have experience in any of the sports and activities?
No. This is a taster day. We hope you will find something you really enjoy and want to continue with it after the event.
Will there be swimming lessons?
After the main event, attendees can book onto an optional VI Swim or VI Gym Induction session, led by Parkwood Leisure. Please indicate on registration if you would like to book onto either of these.
Who can attend?
Anyone from London who is blind or partially sighted is welcome to attend. Please note children must be always accompanied by parents or guardians.
About Sight Loss Councils
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.
Photography and video
During registration, you will be asked to confirm you are happy to be included in any photographs, videos or images from the event. These will be used for promotional purposes, raising the profile of our work and for sharing information and good practice. Please note, if you do not wish to be included, you may still feature in the background.
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