free swim & gym eligibility requirements

Southwark free swim and gym

Southwark residents can use swimming and gym facilities, free of charge, in all of the council leisure centres at certain times as part of our free swim and gym scheme. We’re committed to investing in the health and wellbeing of all residents and want to make it easier for people to enjoy healthier and active lifestyles.

Eligibility

All Southwark residents are eligible for free swim and gym. You will need to show ID to register for the first time.

When is the offer available?

  • Friday: 6am to 10pm (subject to programmes and timetables)
  • Saturday: 2pm to 5.30pm (subject to programmes and timetables)
  • Sunday: 2pm to 9pm (subject to programmes and timetables)
  • Over-60s can take part in any Silver sessions free.
  • Disabled residents can use all leisure centres, free of charge, seven days a week. 

When is ID required?

Renewing

We require proof of entitlement at registration, renewal, and on an ad-hoc basis due to our commitment to upholding the integrity of our subscription policies and ensuring fair access to our facilities. By verifying entitlement at key points such as registration and renewal, we aim to maintain transparency and accountability in our membership processes.

Registering

You will need to provide two proofs of eligibility – one document from each, (1. Proof of Individual) and (2. Proof of Southwark Residency): Below is the list of appropriate ID to be provided by customers for the Southwark Free Swim and Gym scheme.

Under-15's (Parents must register on behalf of the child)16+
Proof of individualPassortPassport
Medical Card/CertificatePhoto driving license
Birth CertificateNational Identity Card
Bank statement/ building society statement or passbook in child’s nameOther official forms of photo ID e.g bus pass, civil servant/government ID, emergency services ID.
Credit union account in child’s nameNational Insurance Card/letter
Proof of Southwark residencyAny of the documents adjacent in the name of their parent/guardianCouncil tax bill (within current year)
Valid in last 3 months: Utility bill, Bank statement, rent book/ statement
For customers living in halls of residence, residential hostels and similar communal accommodation, then a letter on official letterhead confirming residential status of the customer and signed by the residency manager is acceptable
If you are disabled and live in Southwark you can access free swim and gym facilities at all Southwark leisure centres seven days a week.
If you:You will need to provide:
Receive Disability Living Allowance (Inc. for Children) at either:

  • the higher rate or lower rate for getting around (mobility);

  • orthe higher or middle rate for help with personal care

A copy of you or your child’s award letter showing receipt of Disability Living Allowance in the past 12 months
Receive Personal Independence Payments (PIP) at any rateA copy of your award letter
Receive Attendance AllowanceA copy of your award letter
Are registered as deaf or use a hearing aidA copy of the front page of your NHS battery book or a copy of your dispensing prescription from a private hearing aid supplier
Are registered as having a visual impairmentA copy of your Certificate of Visual Impairment (CVI) or BD8 Certificate for being registered blind or partially-sighted
Blue Badge parking permit holderA copy of your award letter or Blue Badge parking permit
Young people with Special Educational Needs and DisabilitiesA copy of your Statement of Educational Needs or Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan
Southwark residents are only eligible for this scheme if they can show proof of one of the documents in table below and documents outlined in table above. Therefore we advise you to look through these carefully.

Privacy Settings
We use cookies to enhance your experience while using our website. If you are using our Services via a browser you can restrict, block or remove cookies through your web browser settings. We also use content and scripts from third parties that may use tracking technologies. You can selectively provide your consent below to allow such third party embeds. For complete information about the cookies we use, data we collect and how we process them, please check our Privacy Policy
Youtube
Consent to display content from - Youtube
Vimeo
Consent to display content from - Vimeo
Google Maps
Consent to display content from - Google
Skip to content