ASYLUM SEEKERS OFFERED FREE ACCESS TO TEDDINGTON POOLS AND FITNESS CENTRE
Teddington Pools and Centre is one of the local council facilities which asylum seekers can use for free with the Richmond Card, it has emerged.
They can also get discounts on paddle boarding and pilates sessions through the ‘Richmond Card’ which offers big discounts to its holders.
The Richmond Borough website has a special section for ‘sanctuary seekers.’
Sanctuary seekers and people in emergency accommodation
Sanctuary seekers and people in emergency accommodation in Richmond can apply for a free concession Richmond Card with an active leisure subscription, and receive free access to the following activities:
- General swimming sessions – indoor pools only
- Group exercise classes
- Gym sessions
You can obtain free access to the above activities at the following centres:
- Pools on the Park, Richmond
- Teddington Pools and Fitness Centre
- Shene Sports and Fitness Centre
- Whitton Sports and Fitness Centre
- Hampton Sports and Fitness Centre
How to apply
To apply for a free concession Richmond Card, you must be a sanctuary seeker or in emergency accommodation in Richmond.
Applications must be made by emailing the Leisure Card team.
As part of your application email, you must provide proof of your eligibility. The following details will be required for the person applying:
- Full name
- Gender
- Date of birth
- Email address
- Telephone or mobile number
- Name of primary sport and fitness centre wishing to attend
If you have any difficulties applying via email, then you can visit one of our centres and a member of staff will assist you.
Proof of your eligibility must be provided with your application. We will accept a letter from the Home Office, letter from the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, or an Asylum Application Registration Card (ARC). Any proofs being used must be dated within the last three months.
Other councils in London are offering asylum seekers discounts on leisure activities including free gym sessions and workout classes.
The Lib Dem controlled Richmond council, allows “sanctuary seekers” in the borough to apply for free leisure card subscriptions, according to its website.
The “Richmond Card” gives them free access to gym sessions, group exercise classes and general swimming lessons in indoor pools across five leisure centres.
The council says it will accept a letter from the Home Office or an Asylum Application Registration Card as proof of eligibility for those who apply for the leisure card.
People on benefits and carers in the borough only receive a 60 per cent discount off gym and swimming sessions.
A working adult in Richmond can meanwhile be charged up to £52.50 a month to access the fitness suite, classes and swimming at all five leisure centres.
On the council website, it also states the Richmond Card can be used to get discounts on other activities including pilates sessions, French and Spanish lessons and hypnosis sessions to relieve anxiety and stress.
The card also gives access to discounts on paddle boarding and kayaking and can be used in some restaurants.
Kingston council meanwhile offers asylum seekers a discount of up to 50 per cent on leisure activities through an “Active Kingston Card”, as stated on its website.
The card can be used across six leisure centres in the borough.
Discounted activities include badminton, squash and tennis.
The discounts can be accessed by others including registered carers and pensioners.
Labour-run Wandsworth Council similarly offers asylum seekers money off activities including pottery classes and pantomime visits.