Regular physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your health. Being physically active can improve your brain health, help manage weight, reduce the risk of disease, strengthen bones and muscles, and improve your ability to do everyday activities.
Physical activity doesn't just mean sport!
In Greenwich, we want to ensure everyone has access to regular physical activity, including children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
This page has information on accessible local activities, as well as resources and guidance for getting you and your family active, even at home!
*Please note that while this page will be updated as often as possible, some details such as timings and costings may change. Always contact the provider directly for the latest information on that activity.*
Local inclusive activities
Below you will find a list of local inclusive activities for children and young people with SEND, as well as their families. Click the links for more information.
Swimming
- Lions Swimming Club at the Eltham Centre for people with permanent physical, learning and sensory disabilities and their carers or family. Sessions take place across the week. Cost: £30 per year
- GLL Leisure Centres Fun and Fitness swimming sessions. Sessions at the Eltham and Waterfront Leisure Centres. Cost: From £2.80 per session to free of charge, dependent on location.
Cycling
- Unique Cycling for all riders , families and carers regardless of ability or need. Based at Better Sutcliffe Park Athletics Ground with bikes, trikes, handcycles and new adapted bikes. Cost: Annual membership £5. Cost per session £2 for members, £4 non-members.
- Frame Running sessions for children and young people aged 5-17 with disabilities that affect their mobility. Based at Sutcliffe Park Sports Centre on Saturdays.
Dance and Gymnastics
- Magpie Dance sessions exclusively for people with learning disabilities. For children aged 3 up to adults with no upper age limit on taking part. Based in Bromley. Cost: £5 to £10 per session.
- Dance Ability providing weekly movement, play and creative dance sessions for children with physical and/or learning disabilities and their siblings ages 5-12. Cost: Termly fees with concession rates and taster sessions available.
- Falcon Spartak Gymnastics Club providing artistic and rhythmic gymnastics for those with a disability. Cost: £6.50 per session or £25 per month
Trampolining
- Peaceful Play at Oxygen Freejumping Trampoline Park (o2 Arena). These disability-friendly sessions are designed to provide a calmer, quieter environment for children to trampoline. Cost: from £10 per session
Football
- Ability Counts providing football sessions for those aged 5-16 with disabilities. Cost: FREE
- Charlton Upbeats Football Club for children and adults with Down's Syndrome. Cost: FREE
Tennis
- Inclusive tennis sessions for children with disabilities aged 5-11. Cost: £3 per session
Gym membership
- Better Gym inclusive gym memberships, offering reduced prices for membership, as well as disability-friendly and accessible equipment and activities. A disabled gym member can bring one carer along to sessions for free.
Local Walking Trails
Walking is a great way to improve or maintain your health. Just 30 minutes every day can increase cardiovascular fitness, strengthen bones, reduce excess body fat, and boost muscle power and endurance. These trails provide fun routes to explore your local area and spend some time in the great outdoors.
Street Tag
Street Tag is a free child and family-friendly mobile application providing the opportunity to explore your community, parks, and greenspaces alone or with a team to collect virtual tags and points. You can add virtual tags along your favourite walking, cycling, running, or rolling routes, so you get points whenever you’re out and about.
Exercise through play
- Adventure Play Centres across Greenwich provide a fun, safe environment for children to play, under the supervision of qualified, experienced play leaders. Cost: FREE
- Local parks, playgrounds and open spaces provide an opportunity to spend some enjoyable time outdoors. Cost: FREE
Physical activity at home
There are plenty of activities that can be done from the comfort of your own home, regardless of ability. Below is a list of resources and ideas for getting physically active indoors.
SENSE is a charity for those with complex disabilities. They have lots of accessible videos for keeping active, regardless of your needs. Click the link to go to their website and see the list of different activities you can take part in today!
NHS Accessible Activities has lots of fun activity ideas for children with SEND to get them moving.
Physiotherapy for children and babies - videos from the Oxleas Physiotherapy team supporting development and promoting movement
Sensory Circuits at home - a video created by the Oxleas Occupational Therapy team with guidance on creating your own sensory circuit
Yoga at home - videos for doing yoga with children of all ages at home