Live Well, Get Active Day brings inclusive sport to SE London
South East London Sight Loss Council’s first ‘Live Well, Get Active Day’ was a huge success, welcoming 30 blind and partially sighted (BPS) people to take part in a programme of inclusive sport and fitness.
Delivered in partnership with Lex Leisure at Sidcup Leisure Centre, the multi-sport event showcased how accessible activities can empower the local BPS community to get active, build confidence, and enjoy their local facilities.
Making Sidcup Leisure Centre more accessible
South East London Sight Loss Council (SLC) has spent the last 18 months supporting Sidcup Leisure Centre to boost accessibility across the site. From installing braille and large-print signage to strengthening vision awareness and reviewing their website, the centre has made significant progress towards becoming more inclusive.
Inclusive activities and an energetic atmosphere
The day offered a lively mix of activities, and we were especially delighted that Metro Blind Sport supported the event, delivering brilliant sessions in visually impaired (VI) cricket and VI tennis. Illuminate Freedom brought the energy with VI Zumba, alongside calming VI yoga, an intro to spin, and an optional VI gym/swim session. The atmosphere was fantastic – people built confidence, connected socially, and tried activities they’d never experienced before.
Four participants on spin bikes during the ‘Intro to spin’ session
Voices from the day
We had fantastic feedback from participants throughout the day, with one person citing: “It was perfect!”
Mo, after the VI Cricket session, said:
“I enjoyed playing cricket so much because I didn’t think I’d be able to do it, but once I started it was really fun. I could throw and catch the ball, which was my biggest fear. The way the coaches explained everything was so thorough – the coaches were brilliant, I absolutely loved it!”
Mo, pictured with Rory Field of Metro Blind Sport, practising bowling techniques
Other participants shared their reflections on the VI Cricket session too:
“The coaches are very helpful and thoughtful. It gets your mind thinking on what to do.”
“I had no idea what to expect as I’m not a keen gym-goer! My first cricket session was brilliant! I am off to tennis now and really look forward to meeting some new people. I’ve had great support from everyone. I’m loving it.”
Carrie, who took part in a VI Zumba session, said:
“Oh my gosh, that was so much fun! What I really liked was that the instructor noticed when I couldn’t see the move or know what I was doing, and she came and directed me.”
Another said:
“It was hard work, but enjoyable. I would absolutely do it again!”
Barbara, reflected on her experience of the day:
“Today has been brilliant and I especially loved the cricket! I also had no idea how accessible spin was. I used to cycle before sight loss, and do all sorts of sporting activities. The spin session was so impactful for me and I’m going to start cycling again. It was hard work but I felt like I achieved something and I felt really good about it. I want to do Zumba and spin again, because of today.”
Some participants shared the longer-term impact of the day:
“I particularly enjoyed the Zumba and the spin, and because of my experience today I am going to take up both of these at my local leisure centre.”
“I’m glad I came, it was a really nice day. I would do something like this again. There needs to be more events like this.”
Paul, North London SLC member, holding a cricket bat, poised to hit the ball
Paul Hsu, North London SLC member, and participant, shared:
“It was a great opportunity to take part in all the sport activities. I haven’t played any ball activities or been to the gym since I developed my eye condition eight years ago. The day gave me the chance to interact with other players and I also learned the importance of communication during the games, using sound to alert opponents. It showed how visually impaired people can overcome challenges on the sports ground. Overall, it was a very positive experience.”
Ching, SE London SLC member and participant, said about the event:
“It was a very enjoyable day. I invited two VI friends to join this event, and all three of us discovered some new sports we’d love to play again. It was my first time to try spin, and I found that spin is a very accessible sport, and I enjoyed it so much, even though I was so tired! It was inspiring to share such a positive day with my friends, and we’re looking forward to finding more inclusive sports soon.”
Jordan, SE London SLC member, added:
“It was great to see such a wide range of people at our first ‘Live Well Get Active’ event. This is definitely a positive sign for future ones!”
Steve, SE London SLC member, on a spin bike during the ‘Intro to spin’ session
Steve, SE London SLC member, reflected on the event’s success:
“The Live Well, Get Active day was a huge success. During planning, we were naturally worried about turnout, but around 30 people attended – which was fantastic for our first event of this kind.
“Everyone enjoyed themselves, tried activities they’ve never done before, and made new friends.
“The coaches did a great job, creating fun and accessible sessions, and the leisure centre staff were incredibly helpful, putting into practice what we taught them during the VI Awareness sessions. All in all, it was a brilliantly successful day and I am already looking forward to the next one.”
Coaches inspire confidence and fun
The coaches were equally enthusiastic about the day and shared their reflections on leading the sessions.
Rory Field, CEO of Metro Blind Sport, said:
“Metro Blind Sport held cricket and tennis sessions at the recent ‘Live Well, Get Active’ day. And what a day it was to be a coach – unbridled enthusiasm from participants, with whoops and high fives marking step by step successes. Everyone was incredibly receptive to the techniques being taught, and overjoyed when they got it right.
“Hat’s off to all the organisers for putting on such a wonderful and clearly valuable day. The Metro Blind Sport coaches came away feeling truly fantastic, feeding off the excitement and positivity of the participants.”
Denise, SE London SLC member, practising bat and ball techniques during VI Tennis
Odette Battarel, VI Tennis Coach, added:
“It was great to have the opportunity to share my lived experience as a VI tennis coach and player with so many participants on the day. It was wonderful to see so many people ready to have a go. I hope I inspired them to take up a new sport and lead an active life to support them on their sight loss journeys.”
Louise Dickson, Founder and Artistic Director at Illuminate Freedom, said:
“We had a great time delivering VI Zumba at the ‘Live Well, Get Active day’ for blind and partially sighted people, hosted by South East London Sight Loss Council. It was great to see such a fantastic turnout and the event was so well organised. We hope to be involved in another event with the team soon!”
A tennis coach, mid bowl, during a VI Cricket session
Support on the day
None of this would have been possible without support from Sidcup Leisure Centre staff and our sighted guides. A special thank you to Travel Hands for volunteering their rime and helping the day ran smoothly, and Bexley Disability Network whose funding helped bring the day to life.
Krinal Dave, Business Development Executive, Travel Hands:
“Events like this remind us that accessibility is about more than facilities; it’s about creating spaces where everyone feels capable, confident, and connected.
“Through sports, we don’t just move our bodies – we uplift our minds, build community, and celebrate inclusion in action. The energy and joy we witnessed at Sidcup Leisure Centre showed how movement can truly empower well-being for all.”
We worked closely with Centre Manager, Sam Hards, in the run-up to the event. She said:
“Hosting the ‘Live Well, Get Active’ Day was an incredibly rewarding experience. The positive feedback from participants truly highlighted the value and impact of the event.
“It was wonderful to see so much engagement and enjoyment throughout the day and I’m immensely proud of what we achieved.”
Marina Snelling, Swim Manager at Sidcup Leisure Centre, supported the VI Swim session on the day. She said:
“Initially, I was quite apprehensive about contributing to the event, unsure of how I would do so effectively. However, the vision awareness training I received was incredibly thorough and empowering. It equipped me with the skills and confidence to not only take part, but to genuinely enjoy the experience.
“It was incredibly rewarding to be able to engage and contribute, and I’m so grateful for the excellent preparation.”
Leah, Receptionist at Sidcup Leisure Centre, also supported the event on the day. She added:
“The VI Awareness session significantly increased my confidence. I learned practical tips, like offering an arm and providing clear descriptions, which I was able to apply immediately when assisting a VI customer. This made the interaction smooth and respectful, showing how a little knowledge can greatly enhance inclusivity.”
Thank you
Nicki Guy, Senior Engagement Manager (South) for Thomas Pocklington Trust, said:
“I am blown away by the support and enthusiasm of everyone who was involved in our event. They say it takes a village, and that couldn’t be more true for SE London SLC’s first multi-sport taster day.
“I’d like to extend a huge thanks to our amazing volunteers, the coaches from Metro Blind Sport and Illuminate Freedom, the brilliant yoga instructor, and all of the staff at Sidcup Leisure Centre who supported us on the day. The event is a great testament to our partnership over the last 18 months.
“Seeing participants try new activities and watch their confidence grow, and to feel the joy in the room, really shows what can be achieved when we come together to make sport accessible for everyone.”
Participants in the dance studio, during a VI Yoga session
Useful Links
Sutton Tennis Academy, at Better Gym
Merton Sports and Social Club for Visually Impaired People
Would you like to join South East London Sight Loss Council?
Are you blind or partially sighted, or know someone who is? Do you want to make a difference and drive meaningful change? South East London SLC is currently recruiting new volunteer members from across SE London.
Learn more:
www.sightlosscouncils.org.uk/join-us
Publication date: 25 November 2025