Women-and-Children-Only Swimming Sessions in Camden
The Issue
Dear GLL Customer Services,
I am writing to express my concern about the current swimming session arrangements at the Better Pancras Square Leisure facilities in Camden. Although the swimming area includes both a large pool and a dedicated children’s pool, I have been informed that children are not allowed to attend the “women-only” sessions and can only swim during the mixed-gender “Swim for All” sessions.
This creates a significant barrier for many women — particularly mothers of religious faith, mothers from different cultural backgrounds, and those who simply do not feel comfortable attending mixed-gender sessions. As a Muslim mother, I am unable to enter the mixed pool due to my religious beliefs, and as a result, my children are being denied the opportunity to swim altogether.
Today, I attended the women-only session with my children, only to be told they couldn’t take part. When I asked about other options, I was told that unless I go into the mixed pool with them, they cannot swim. My children were heartbroken. They couldn’t understand why they weren’t allowed in the water and felt it was because we’re Muslim. No child should ever feel excluded due to their background, and no mother should have to choose between her faith and her children’s happiness.
This policy restricts access to an important community service and negatively impacts children’s health, confidence, and access to a vital life skill. It also puts mothers in the upsetting position of having to explain to their young children why they are being left out.
Camden is one of the most diverse boroughs in London, and it’s essential that our local services reflect and accommodate that diversity. I am calling on GLL and Better Leisure to introduce women-and-children-only swimming sessions, specifically for children under 10.
This small change would make a huge difference — offering a safe, inclusive space where all mothers and children can enjoy swimming without compromising their values or well-being.
Please sign and support this petition to help make swimming more accessible and inclusive for all families in our community.
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The Issue
Dear GLL Customer Services,
I am writing to express my concern about the current swimming session arrangements at the Better Pancras Square Leisure facilities in Camden. Although the swimming area includes both a large pool and a dedicated children’s pool, I have been informed that children are not allowed to attend the “women-only” sessions and can only swim during the mixed-gender “Swim for All” sessions.
This creates a significant barrier for many women — particularly mothers of religious faith, mothers from different cultural backgrounds, and those who simply do not feel comfortable attending mixed-gender sessions. As a Muslim mother, I am unable to enter the mixed pool due to my religious beliefs, and as a result, my children are being denied the opportunity to swim altogether.
Today, I attended the women-only session with my children, only to be told they couldn’t take part. When I asked about other options, I was told that unless I go into the mixed pool with them, they cannot swim. My children were heartbroken. They couldn’t understand why they weren’t allowed in the water and felt it was because we’re Muslim. No child should ever feel excluded due to their background, and no mother should have to choose between her faith and her children’s happiness.
This policy restricts access to an important community service and negatively impacts children’s health, confidence, and access to a vital life skill. It also puts mothers in the upsetting position of having to explain to their young children why they are being left out.
Camden is one of the most diverse boroughs in London, and it’s essential that our local services reflect and accommodate that diversity. I am calling on GLL and Better Leisure to introduce women-and-children-only swimming sessions, specifically for children under 10.
This small change would make a huge difference — offering a safe, inclusive space where all mothers and children can enjoy swimming without compromising their values or well-being.
Please sign and support this petition to help make swimming more accessible and inclusive for all families in our community.
The Decision Makers
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Petition created on 19 April 2025