Activities in and around Lewisham
Activities for people aged 18 plus
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 North 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: 2T Leroy House, 436 Essex Road, London N1 3QP
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.
Classes
Adult Community Class – Wednesdays and Thursdays for adults with learning disabilities and carers
Adult Group – Thursdays for dancers to develop their skills in a more intensive way
Youth Group Juniors – Saturdays for dancers aged 8-15
Youth Group Seniors – Wednesdays and Saturdays for dancers aged 16-25
Easter School – A week intensive for our Youth Group Juniors and Seniors during Easter holidays
Summer School – A week intensive for our Youth Group Juniors and Seniors during the summer holidays
Highfliers – Friday training for our professional performance company
Greenwich Dance drop-in session – Friday contemporary beginners class for people with and without disabilities
How to contact Magpie Dance
Contact: Jessica Lucy Richards- Operations Co-ordinator
Address: The Churchill Theatre, High Street, Bromley, BR1 1HA
Telephone: 020 8290 6633
Email: info@magpiedance.org.uk
Twitter: @MagpieDance
Website: www.magpiedance.org.uk
In June 2014 Shadwell Basin Outdoor Activity Centre received £108,875 of funding over three years from Sport England’s Inclusive Sport fund.
Our Adventure For All project then started with the full time appointment of Rob Edwards as Inclusion Coordinator to open up more opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in outdoor adventurous activities.
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.
How to contact Candoco Dance Company
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.
Allsorts
Allsorts is back from Thursday 10 November to Thursday 15 December. We will also be running the Heart n Soul choir from 2pm-4pm from Thursday 13 October to Thursday 3 November.
Heart n Soul’s Allsorts is a place where adults with learning disabilities can try new art activities, meet new people and have fun. You can take part in a range of workshops, ranging from music to circus skills in a safe and friendly atmosphere where you decide what to do.
It also gives you the chance to be involved in the local community and find out about other interesting events happening in the local area.
Heart n Soul’s Allsorts gives everyone the chance to try new things, have fun, learn and make new friends.
When: Allsorts takes place every Thursday from 10am – 5pm, in six week seasons. Next season: Thursday 10 November – Thursday 15 December
Where: The Albany, Douglas Way, London, SE8 4AG.
Tickets: £5 per day for participants, pay-what-you-can for parents and carers. You can book for one day or for all six. Please try and book in advance.
To book tickets contact The Albany box office: Call: 020 8692 4446 or Visit: www.thealbany.org.uk
Personal budgets: Allsorts is becoming increasingly popular, so using your personal budget can guarantee you a place. For more information, contact Sarah on 020 8694 1632 or info@heartnsoul.co.uk – Join the conversation: #allsorts
Do Your Own Thing
These are creative sessions which happen once per month on Saturday afternoons. They offer young people (aged 10-25 years) new to the arts training in music, dance, drama, DJing and digital arts. Young people get the chance to work on exciting projects with a range of professional tutors. They decide what they want to do and work with their tutors to make it happen.
They also help to create and perform at The Squidz Club, Heart n Soul’s participatory arts club night for young people.
When: Once a month, on a Saturday, 1pm-4pm.
Upcoming dates: Saturday 12 November and Saturday 10 December.
Where: The Midi Music Company, 77 Watson’s Street, Deptford, London. SE8 4AU
Tickets: Do Your Own Thing is FREE and open to all aged 10-25 with a learning disability, but please get in touch with us first using the details below to let us know you’re coming along. To book your place or for more information, contact the Taking Part Team on 020 8694 1632
To book your place or for more information, contact the Taking Part Team on 020 8694 1632
The Squidz Club
The Squidz Club is a night for young people with learning disabilities (aged 10-25) their friends and families.
Featuring young DJs and artists in a fun and friendly atmosphere. The club is a chance for you to have a good time, make new friends and be yourself! We will keep you posted on dates for upcoming clubs.
If you have any questions about The Squidz Club, please call Heart n Soul on 020 8694 1632.
The Beautiful Octopus Club
Look out for further dates on Heart ‘n’ Soul website.
Courses for over 16 years – Music Production – CRE8TIV Guitar – CRE8TIV Choir – YouTube – Courses start 20th September and are on Tuesdays or Thursdays – times vary for each course – Cost is £100 but they do have concessions for unemployed/student for £50 – proof of eligibility require. You tube course is £25. Please contact them for full details.
How to contact 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
Bromley and Downham Youth Club have activities available from Mondays to Thursdays. SEN night is on a Wednesday from 6.30pm to 9pm. Young people up to the age of 25 but they would not turn anyone away who is a little older.
They also have a boxing club for all ages on a Tuesday and Thursday. Please do see their website as they have lots going on. Fee (believed to be) 50p.
- The *BUZZ* nights at Bromley and Downham are dedicated to young people with disabilities, vulnerabilities and special education needs, aged between 8 years and 25 years old.
- These are held on Wednesdays from 6.30pm until 9.00pm.
- Parents are able to visit and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and meet the staff. Then you can take a break and let our trained Youth Workers entertain the young people in a safe environment.
- Come along and have a free trial session, make friends, learn new skills but above all HAVE SOME FUN!
PARENT QUOTE
“I would like to thank the staff at Bromley and Downham for the way they have cared for my son on Wednesday evenings. He really looks forward to coming along to the sessions on Wednesday and I, as a parent of a child with additional needs, feel peace of mind when leaving him there because of the great care and compassion of the staff working with the children on a Wednesday evening.”
How to contact Bromley & Downham Youth Club
Address: Bromley & Downham Youth Club, 41 Valeswood Road, Bromley, Kent BR1 4RD
Telephone: 020 8461 2597
Email: info@banddyc.co.uk
Website: www.banddyc.co.uk
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
Find a club www.parasport.org.uk/find-a-club
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
Tower Hamlets Cycling Club
We currently run weekly cycling sessions for deaf adults as well as one off sessions for children and adults with learning difficulties. Please contact the Club if you have specific disabilities and we will do our best to accommodate you. Club bikes and helemets are available for those who don’t have their own. Cost: £1 per 2hr session for members, £2 for non members. Membership is £10 a year.
Address: Mile End Park Stadium, Rhodeswell Road, London, E14 7TW
Telephone: 07949 692439
Email: towerhamletscyclingclub@yahoo.co.uk
Sports Offered: Cycling
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)
Community Club Southwark
Disability Sports Coach (DSC) delivers a weekly multi-sport session at The Camberwell Leisure Centre, Southwark. The pan disability session runs from 3pm-5pm every Saturday during term time and is open to all people with a disability aged 11+ including adults.
Sports offered include, boccia, football, polybat,basketball and more. Each term the Club focuses on a couple of sports which they then compete in a fun sports day against other DSC Clubs in their region.
Any questions you may have, please contact DSC’s Club Development Officer, Emma Cranston: 02070210973 or emma@disabilitysportscoach.co.uk
Address: Camberwell Leisure Centre, London SE5 8TS
Telephone: 020 7021 0973
Email: emma@disabilitysportscoach.co.uk
Website: www.disabilitysportscoach.co.uk/community-clubs/club-southwark
Sports Offered: Athletics, Boccia, Football, Sitting Volleyball, Table Tennis, Polybat, New age Kurling and more
Impairments catered for: Amputee, Cerebral Palsy, Learning Disabilities, Visual Impairment,Other Impairments
When do we meet: Saturday 3pm-5pm
Session Costs: £2
Newham Leisure Centre
Centre runs a free special needs session in the gym on Tuesdays 13.30-15.30pm. Also run a disability muilti sports session on Tuesdays 10.00-12.00pm for adults and children. Centre has an IFI Accredited Gym. Centre has full disabled access including pool hoists, disabled changing rooms and toilets.
Address: 281 Prince Regent Lane, London, E13 8SD
Telephone: 020 7511 4477
Email: zahra.mirza@gll.org
Website: www.better.org.uk/areas/newham/centres/newham-leisure-centre
Sports Offered: Swimming, Gym
Community Club Tower Hamlets
Disability Sports Coach (DSC) delivers a weekly multi-sport session at The Mile End Leisure Centre, Tower Hamlets. The pan disability session runs from 5.30pm-7pm every Thursday during term time and is open to all people with a disability aged 11+ including adults.
Sports offered include, boccia, football, polybat,basketball and more. Each term the Club focuses on a couple of sports which they then compete in a fun sports day against other DSC Clubs in their region.
Any questions you may have, please contact DSC’s Club Development Officer, Emma Cranston: 02070210973 or emma@disabilitysportscoach.co.uk.
Address: Mile End Stadium Leisure Centre, London, E1 4NS
Email: emma@disabilitysportscoach.co.uk
Website: www.disabilitysportscoach.co.uk/community-clubs/club-tower-hamlets/
Sports Offered: Athletics, Boccia, Football, Sitting Volleyball, Table Tennis
Impairments catered for: Amputee, Cerebral Palsy, Learning Disabilities, Visual Impairment, Other Impairments
When do we meet: Thursday 5.30pm-7pm
Session Costs: £1
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)
How to contact Candoco Dance Company
Contact: Matthew Houghton – Divisional Sports & Community Development Manager
Telephone: 07827 277856
Twitter: @fusion_ls
Website: www.fusion-lifestyle.com