Activities in and around Lewisham

Aurora Options works with people with learning disabilities, their families and with local authorities to design and deliver services that lead to everyone living confidently and independently in the community.

We support service users to make decisions for themselves, to know their rights and to speak up for what they want. We work with commissioning teams and care managers to make our services as person-centred as possible. We strive to be adaptable, diverse and responsive to the needs of our clients.

We work in partnership with other organisations, delivering high quality, tailormade services. We’re professional and values driven. We believe our clients have a right to be part of any community and we will support them to achieve their life goals.

How to contact Aurora Options

Contact: Gail Nicholls – Director of Development & Referrals Manager
Address: Unit 3 California Building, Deals Gateway, London SE13 7SB
Telephone: +44 (0)208 469 8103
Email: admin@auroraoptions.org.uk
Twitter: auroraoptions1
Website: www.auroraoptions.org.uk

Candoco Dance Company is the contemporary dance company of disabled and nondisabled dancers based in South East London.

At the heart of our work are our national and international productions, created by world class choreographers for audiences to enjoy. Alongside these, through our Learning projects and activities we provide access to the highest quality of work for people participating in contemporary dance for pure enjoyment, or as part of a developing career.

We are a passionate, dedicated team of people and we want to show you what dance can be, and who can dance. If you are looking for in depth information about Candoco Dance Company, see Information for Students.

How to contact Candoco Dance Company

Address: c/o Mountview, 120 Peckham Hill St, London SE15 7JT

Candoco Dance Company

Telephone: +44 (0)20 7704 6845

Email: info@candoco.co.uk
Twitter: @candocodance
Website: www.candoco.co.uk

Magpie Dance is a contemporary dance charity for people with learning disabilities. With an emphasis on ability rather than disability, Magpie has carved out a national reputation for its exciting and inspiring approach to inclusive dance.

Founded 30 years ago by the current Artistic Director Avril Hitman, Magpie unlocks individual potential and ability by giving participants space to make their own choices and take ownership of what they achieve.

Based in Bromley, Magpie can deliver workshops to any region in the UK. Dancers and inclusive dance enthusiasts gain opportunities through high quality programmes in participation, performance and training.

How to contact Magpie Dance

Contact: Operations Co-ordinator
Address: The Churchill Theatre, High Street, Bromley, BR1 1HA
Telephone: 07470449558
Email: info@magpiedance.org.uk
Twitter: @MagpieDance
Website: www.magpiedance.org.uk

We currently work with The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Sailability, British Canoeing Paddability, British Rowing Rowability, UK Deaf Sport Deafinitely Inclusive and other National Governing Bodies to provide nationally recognised safety standards, facilities and teaching methods.

We can support most needs at Shadwell Basin OAC and have fully qualified and trained staff who work with specialised and adapted equipment to provide a fun and safe environment for everyone.

At Shadwell Basin OAC we can provide activity session at a subsidised rate for people who are Deaf or hard of hearing, Schools during term times, Disability groups at evenings and weekends and for those individuals who enjoy and wish to carry on their experience of outdoor adventurous activities we have an integrated youth club that runs weekly and during school holidays.

We provide all safety equipment needed to participate in each activity, as well as some splash proof jackets and trousers. Participants must bring a change of suitable clothing and strong foot wear.

For further information and booking at our subsidised rate, please contact Inclusion Coordinator Rob Edwards by email at rob.edwards@shadwell-basin.org.uk, Telephone 020 7481 4210 or click on the links to read more about what we can offer you.

Address: 3-4 Shadwell Pierhead, Glamis Road, London E1W 3TD
Telephone: 020 7481 4210
Email: info@shadwell-basin.org.uk
Twitter: @shadwellbasin
Website: www.shadwell-basin.co.uk

Heart n Soul is an award-winning creative arts company and charity. We believe in the talents and power of people with learning disabilities, providing opportunities for people to discover, develop and share this power and talent as widely as possible. Throughout the year there will be a range of different events and activities for audiences to get involved in.

Please visit the website, as there are a variety of activities and events taking place.

Where: The Albany, Douglas Way, London, SE8 4AG.

Heart n Soul website

Please follow the link for courses, and contact them to find out about their inclusion options.

Courses & Workshops – The Midi Music Company

Address: 77 Watsons Street, Deptford, London SE8 4AU
Telephone: 020 8694 6093
Mobile: 079841 58554
Email: theteam@midimusiccompany.co.uk
Twitter: @themidimusicco
Website: www.themidimusiccompany.co.uk

London Thunder is an affiliated basketball club based in Lewisham. The club exists for the benefit of those who wish to develop their skills in the sport of basketball. We utilise basketball to offer participants the opportunity to be healthy, enjoy, achieve and have fun in a safe and supportive environment. We provide players with technical training in addition to teaching the values of teamwork, responsibility and self-discipline. The club has been awarded ‘Club Mark Status’ Level 3.

How to contact London Thunder Basketball

Address: The Thunderdome, Stockholm Road, London SE16 3LP
Telephone: 0207237 8515
Email: info@thunderbasketball.net
Twitter: @london_thunder
Website: www.thunderbasketball.net

Activities for Disabled People

The AHOY is an RYA (Royal Yachting Association) Sailability Centre and our facilities are viewed as a centre of excellence by the RYA and have complete wheelchair access. We offer the full range of RYA Sailability courses and qualifications. Sailability volunteers enjoy integrated water-based activities whilst being able to learn new skills in a manner and speed appropiate to the individual. Sessions are always great fun whilst progressing to achieve the RYA Sailability, Bronze, Silver & Gold Awards.

The charity owns a number of boats that are adapted to enable disabled users to sail or row them, but we also have a very special craft: ‘The AHOY Freedom’. She was commissioned specifically by us for a mixed ability crew with state of the art technology to allow disabled crew to steer and skipper her.

How to get here

Our address is: The AHOY Centre, Borthwick Street, Deptford, London, SE8 3JY and we’re easily accessible by road, river and well connected to public transport options.

• 12 minute walk from Deptford and Greenwich mainline stations
• 12 minute walk from the Cutty Sark DLR station.
• The 199, 47 and 188 bus stops are within a 6 minute walk
• The Thames Clipper (Riverbus) Greenwich Pier is a 14 minute walk

For details of how to plan your journey, please see the Transport for London website.

There is very limited car parking on site but there are free car parking bays on the road directly outside our Centre.

How to contact AHOY Deptford

Address: The AHOY Centre, Borthwick Street, Deptford, London, SE8 3JY
Telephone: 020 8691 7502
Email: info@ahoy.org.uk
Website: www.ahoy.org.uk

We run drop-in inclusive cycling sessions for disabled people and their families, carers or friends, from three bases in south London.

• Our qualified instructors, supported by fantastic volunteers, help participants try our cycles or get comfortable on the one that suits them, and offer ongoing support.
• Relatives, friends and carers are welcome to join the fun.

Croydon Sports Arena (Outdoors)

Address: Albert Road, South Norwood SE25 4QL
Telephone: 07806 334 770
Opening Hours: Tuesdays 10am – 1pm, Fridays 11am – 1pm (great for group bookings) and Saturdays 10am – 12:30pm
Train: Norwood Junction. Elmers End. Arena (Tramlink 2) Bus: 130, 196, 197, 312, 289, 367 Car: Free parking on site TFL journey planner and Google maps

Herne Hill Velodrome (Outdoors)

We ride on the flat part of the track.

Address: 104 Burbage Road, SE24 9HE
Telephone: 07578 746 448
Opening Hours: Mondays 11am – 1:30pm (10:30am-12:30 during 1/2 term and school holidays)
Train: Herne Hill or North Dulwich
Bus: P4, P13, 3, 37, 68, 196, 201, 322, 468
Car: Free parking on site
TFL journey planner and Google maps

Ladywell Day Centre, Sports Hall (Indoors)

If the weather is fine we also lead a ride through the park.

Address: 148 Dressington Avenue, Lewisham SE4 1JF
Telephone: 0756 116 6949
Opening Hours: Tuesdays 10:30am – 12:30pm (great for group bookings.)
Train: Ladywell
Bus: 284, P4, 122
Car: Free parking on site (collect a free permit from reception)
TFL journey planner and Google map

Blackheath Fencing Club – (Ages under 17 and 17+)

Club can cater for a range of disabilities. They can cater for wheelchair fencing but no not have a fixed frame available. Sessions run on Tuesdays and Thursdays 18.00-19.30pm for juniors (under 17 years) and 19.30-21.30pm for adults (17+). Have a coach experienced in coaching wheelchair fencing.

The first session is free of charge and thereafter it is £80 per term for children and £80 per term for adults. Concessions available. Free taster sessions run at the start of term and there are adult beginners training courses available, see website for further details. There is a disabled toilet available at the club.

Address: Blackheath High School, Vanbrugh Park, London, SE3 7AG
Telephone: 020 8309 7827
Email: clubsecretary@blackheathfencing.org.uk
Website: www.blackheathfencing.org.uk
Sports Offered: Wheelchair Fencing
Impairments catered for: Amputee, Cerebral Palsy, Spinal Cord Injury, Visual Impairment
When do we meet: Tues and Thurs 18.00pm juniors, 19.30 adults

Shortland House Fencing Club

Address: Bishop Challoner School, 228 Bromley Road, Shortlands, Kent, BR2 0BS
Telephone: 020 8464 4841
Email: challonerpe1@yahoo.co.uk
Sports Offered: Wheelchair Fencing

Shadwell Basin Outdoor Activity Centre

The main aim of the Centre is to provide activities for young people but equally adults join in the fun through their clubs and through courses. The activities provided include: sailing, canoeing, kayaking, high ropes, orienteering, sub aqua, climbing and boating. Disability specific sessions offered. For more information contact the Centre directly. Access for wheelchairs or those with mobility issues is limited but the Centre does have double kayaks available which are accessible for wheelchairs.

Address: 3-4 Shadwell Pierhead, Glamis Road, London, E1W 3TD
Telephone: 020 7481 4210
Email: information@shadwell-basin.org.uk
Website: www.shadwell-basin.org.uk
Sports Offered: Rowing, Sailing

Greenwich Play Tennis Club

An inclusive club for children, young people and adults, with and without disabilities. Tennis & Wheelchair Tennis for Juniors 8 – 16 yrs and Adults 16yrs+ Professional tennis coaches.

Address: 304 Shooters Hill Road, London , SE9 2QN
Telephone: 07980 736 188
Email: specialleague@aol.com
Website:  www.greenwichplaytennisclub.co.uk
Sports Offered: Wheelchair Tennis, Tennis
Impairments catered for: Amputee, Learning Disabilities, Visual Impairment, Other Impairments
When do we meet: Fridays 10.00-12.00noon at Hornfair Park, London SE18 4LX – Please telephone or email for programme details) Various times
Session Costs: £2.00 per session (1 hour)

The Werewolves of London Special Hockey Club

The Werewolves of London Special Ice Hockey Club offers a special needs ice hockey programme for children and adults who have Developmental Disabilities such as Autistic Spectrum Disorders, Down Syndrome and other Learning Disabilities.

Beginners and non-skaters aged from 5 years up to and including adults are all welcome!

Our season runs from September to May, on mostly alternate Saturdays from 4:30pm to 6:30pm.

More details are available on their website. The cost is about £10 per session, plus the annual English Ice Hockey Association player registration fee.

Address: Brixton Ice Arena, 49 Brixton Station Road, London, SW9 8PQ
Telephone: 07904 477175
Email: mike@werewolvesoflondon.org.uk
Website: www.werewolvesoflondon.org.uk
Sports Offered: Ice Hockey

Brixton Fencing Club

Club aims to cater for as many disabilities as possible but mobility based disabilities would be more difficult. Best to contact club in advance. Sessions run on Monday 18.00-19.30pm for juniors and Wednesday 18.00-20.30pm for adults, Fridays for experienced fencers 18.00-20.30pm.

Address: Brixton Recreation Centre, 27 Brixton Station Road, London, SW9 8QQ
Telephone: 07919 398754
Email: andypavaday@brixtonfencingclub.com
Website: www.brixtonfencingclub.com
Sports Offered: Fencing
Impairments catered for: Visual Impairment
When do we meet: Mondays, Weds and Fridays 18.00pm

Bexley Beavers provides swimming for people with disabilities, their families, carers and friends – an opportunity for the whole family to enjoy a good swim.

Sessions held on Friday evenings. PI/LD young people & adults.

How to contact Bexley Beavers Swimming Club for Disabled

Contact: Mrs H Ambrose
Address: Crook Log LC, Brampton Road, Bexleyheath, Kent,DA7 4HH
Telephone: 07811 745 421
Email: info@bexleybeavers.org.uk
Twitter: @bexleybeavers
Website: www.bexleybeavers.org.uk

Surrey Docks Farm is a working community farm in Rotherhithe that aims to educate local people about where their food comes from and promotes getting active outdoors.

We have all the usual farm animals on site, as well as food growing gardens. We sell eggs, meat, fruit and vegetables through our farm shop. We engage the whole community delivering toddlers club, youth clubs, hosting school visits as well as volunteering and work experience and training projects for adults with learning disabilities.

How to contact Surrey Docks Farm

Address: Surrey Docks Farm, Rotherhithe Street, London SE16 5ET
Telephone: 0207 231 1010
Twitter: @surreydocksfarm
Website: www.surreydocksfarm.org.uk

The following leisure centres offer activities for people with disabilities aged 16 plus:

• Bellingham, The Bridge
• Forest Hill Pool, Glass Mill Leisure
• Bowls Centre, Wavelengths

Please contact the leisure centre directly to see what they have available in your area:

• Free swimming. Any age (providing you have evidence of disability) They accept PIP letters (formally DLA)
• Free gym for 16 plus only
• 25% off classes. Classes are for 16+
• Disability swim sessions. Any age (providing you have evidence of disability). They accept PIP letters (formally DLA)