10 December 2008
This group was initially going to explore Leisure and youth services. The group members felt that this was inappropriate due to the time avaliable. It was also felt that DBU should work with young people on that focus group. The group proposed to explore Leisure services and to have a separate focus group for youth services.
The purpose of this focus group was to explore what leisure services are available in Hackney. The following leisure centres were discussed:
- Clissold Leisure Centre
- Brittania
- Haggerston Pool
- Kings Hall
- London Fields
- Queensbridge
- Castle Climbing Centre
- West Reservoir Centre
- Are your premises/services wheelchair accessible?
- Do your staff have disability equality training?
- Are your premises/services accessible for someone with a visual impairment eg blind or deaf?
- Is your service accessible for disabled youth with a learning disability?
- Would you like support and guidance on how to become more accessible to disabled people?
- Do you feel supported by Hackney to become more accessible?
Action: Catherine to resend questionnaire to Brittania, London Fields and Clissold leisure centre.
The group then looked at each Leisure Centre listed to discuss any issues.
Clissold Leisure Centre
Some members of the group were involved with Clissold Leisure Centre before it was closed and reopened. It was felt by the group that there have been many issues with this centre, namely health and safely issues regarding access to pool, no tread marks on stairs and other access issues. Since the centres closure and reopening it is felt that there are still access issues regarding this venue. It if felt that the redesign was not fully inclusive and some design features are not utilised. For example the pool floor rises to ground height, how is this used on a daily basis?
Action: To contact Clissold Leisure Centre and request a copy of the Impact Assessment carried out around the reopening.
The pools are reported to be inaccessible, with no where to hold onto the sides.
Action: To conduct a visit of the Leisure Centre to see if there are any access issues identified.
Clissold Leisure Centre is currently running a 'no limits sports club'. The advertising for this uses the term 'able bodied' which members felt to be inappropriate and offensive.
Action: Catherine to contact Alan Walsh, Thomas Smith and Aneurin Wood regarding the wording of this flyer.
Britannia
Britannia leisure centre is used by one group member who is part of the GP referral scheme for 'exercise on prescription'.
It is not clear where this scheme is valid and if you can use all the equipment and pool.
Action: Cindy to provide information regarding the scheme.
Brittania offer a Leisure Card but it can only be used in Hackney Leisure Centres between 9-5pm.
Action: To explore the Leisure Card, when can it be used and why does it not extend boroughs? Which leisure centres in Hackney can it be used in?
Kings Hall and London Fields
It was felt that the access into Kings Hall for wheelchair users was not ideal as members had to access the centre through the back door.
Members have also raised issue with London Fields, there are turnstiles and the accessible toilets are used as cleaning cupboards.
Action: To visit Kings Hall and London Fields to see if there are any access issues.
Queensbridge
Members reported that the staff here can be rude and unhelpful. Queensbridge is regularly used as a conference centre because of its accessibility.
Action: To visit Queensbridge
West Reservoir and Castle Climbing centre
Both of these venues responded to the initial questionnaire. Members wondered what was on offer at these venues, for example, is West Reservoir open to the public?
Action: To provide the focus group with more information on West Reservoir and Castle Climbing Centre, cost, opening hours, services etc.
Haggerston
Action: To enquire whether the pool is reopening and what facilities it will have.
Parks
It was raised at the focus group that cycling in parks is an issue that members would like the group to campaign on. Parks are intended to be a safe space for the public, spaces that are used by children, the elderly and people with disabilities. However there are many people who cycle through parks, which is a hazard to people using the park. It is felt that this is an antisocial act which should be campaigned against to ensure that the parks remain a safe space. For people who find it difficult to step to the side or move quickly, bikes provide a real risk. This is especially seen along the canal pathways.
Action: John to provide information about this to DBU, a brief is to be written and John Wade (head of green spaces) to be invited to the focus group. This focus group could also include Hackneys Park Forum and Age Concern.
Meeting ended.
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