Janet RR
The Issue
I am concerned about the removal of free swimming in the Borough of Lewisham for the over 60s, who were entitled to free swim and gym pre 2020. Lewisham should be proactive with the health of their aging community who have been paying a range of taxes for over 4 decades.
Devastating for the over 60's communities - For whom pools are a lifeline for health and wellbeing and a social hub for fitness, fun and friendship.
Age Discrimination - The removal of sessions restricts access for a specific age group. Physical activity is vital for healthy aging and removing these specific sessions indirectly bars many older residents from exercising entirely.
Medical and Mental Health - Swimming is often a low-impact exercise for joint pain and heart health. These sessions help elderly residents maintain mobility, reduce GP visits, and combat loneliness.
I wrote to Neville Graham - Sport & Leisure Service Manager on 23 April 2023 and was given a detailed response on budget cuts that Lewisham have had to make, I had done a similar research to what is listed below as at 14 July 2026, back in 2023!!!!
Camden: Free weekday morning swims (6:30 am to 12:00 pm) at leisure centres.
Hackney: Free swimming is available to Hackney residents aged 60+ with a Pay as you Go membership card at selected Better leisure centres.
Islington: Free swimming for residents aged 60+ is on offer Monday-Friday (9:00 am to 4:00 pm) and after 1:00 pm on weekends.
Merton: Free swim sessions are available for residents aged 65 and over at all three borough leisure centres during designated weekly times.
Redbridge: Free swimming is available for over-60s on weekdays from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
Tower Hamlets: Free swimming is offered for residents aged 55 and over at council pools.
Waltham Forest: Free off-peak swimming (Monday–Friday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, and weekends after 1:00 pm) for residents 60 and older
Come on Lewisham Borough, Do Better!!!!
Join me in bringing to those who make the decisions on how our money is spent in Lewisham and get free swimming returned to the over 60s living in the Lewisham Borough.
150
The Issue
I am concerned about the removal of free swimming in the Borough of Lewisham for the over 60s, who were entitled to free swim and gym pre 2020. Lewisham should be proactive with the health of their aging community who have been paying a range of taxes for over 4 decades.
Devastating for the over 60's communities - For whom pools are a lifeline for health and wellbeing and a social hub for fitness, fun and friendship.
Age Discrimination - The removal of sessions restricts access for a specific age group. Physical activity is vital for healthy aging and removing these specific sessions indirectly bars many older residents from exercising entirely.
Medical and Mental Health - Swimming is often a low-impact exercise for joint pain and heart health. These sessions help elderly residents maintain mobility, reduce GP visits, and combat loneliness.
I wrote to Neville Graham - Sport & Leisure Service Manager on 23 April 2023 and was given a detailed response on budget cuts that Lewisham have had to make, I had done a similar research to what is listed below as at 14 July 2026, back in 2023!!!!
Camden: Free weekday morning swims (6:30 am to 12:00 pm) at leisure centres.
Hackney: Free swimming is available to Hackney residents aged 60+ with a Pay as you Go membership card at selected Better leisure centres.
Islington: Free swimming for residents aged 60+ is on offer Monday-Friday (9:00 am to 4:00 pm) and after 1:00 pm on weekends.
Merton: Free swim sessions are available for residents aged 65 and over at all three borough leisure centres during designated weekly times.
Redbridge: Free swimming is available for over-60s on weekdays from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
Tower Hamlets: Free swimming is offered for residents aged 55 and over at council pools.
Waltham Forest: Free off-peak swimming (Monday–Friday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, and weekends after 1:00 pm) for residents 60 and older
Come on Lewisham Borough, Do Better!!!!
Join me in bringing to those who make the decisions on how our money is spent in Lewisham and get free swimming returned to the over 60s living in the Lewisham Borough.
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Petition created on 14 July 2026