D I S A B I L I T Y I N F OR M A TI ON H A N DB OO K
Chapter 10 – Leisure & Entertainment
This chapter has information on inclusive sports, arts and entertainment, parks,
libraries and holidays.
Sport and Inclusive Activities
(See also the Richmond AID Accessible Sports Factsheet)
Richmond upon Thames Inclusive Sport and Exercise (RISE) – Promotes
inclusive and disability-specific sports and exercise for disabled people of all ages.
Sports Development Team
Civic Centre, 44 York Street, Twickenham, TW1 3BZ
Tel: 020 8831 6133 Fax: 020 8891 7904
Email: leisure@richmond.gov.uk
Web: www.richmond.gov.uk/sport
Leisure Card
The Council’s Leisure Card provides discounts and special offers at a variety of
shops, cafes, sports facilities and places of entertainment. The card is half-price for
disabled people, and is available from libraries, swimming pools or council offices.
Leisure Card Office:
Tel: 020 8831 6106 Email: leisurecard@richmond.gov.uk
Cricket for Change
A cricket club for young people aged 8 to16 with visual impairments, physical
disabilities or learning difficulties.
Email: alexbassan@cricketforchange.org.uk
Dance
Fusion Dance and Drama: Projects for disabled adults and young people to get fit
and active through dance and drama. Please contact the Sports Development Team.
RISE Multi-sport club for 16 to 25 year olds (Saturdays)
Contact the Sports Development Team or
Shene Sports and Fitness Centre Manager
Tel: 020 8878 7578 Email: c.percy@richmond.gov.uk
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Special Olympics Richmond
Swimming, football, tag rugby, run/throw/jump and more at places around the
borough.
c/o Richmond upon Thames College
Egerton Road, Twickenham, TW2 7SJ
Contact: Nuala Orton
Tel: 07799 418051
Email: specialolympicsrichmond@googlemail.com
Web: www.specialolympicsrichmond.webs.com
Swimming
Sessions for children with special needs at Pools on the Park, Richmond. Tuesdays
6pm-7pm. £3 per child and carer plus £1 per sibling. No booking required, just turn
up.
Trampolining
Weekly sessions for people with additional needs and disabilities at Whitton Sports
and Fitness Centre.
Tel: 020 8898 7795
Wheelchair Basketball
For young people aged 10 to 18 at Teddington Sports Centre. Information from
Sports Development Team or Teddington Sports Centre, Tel.020 8977 0598.
Sports Venues:
Most venues have wheelchair access and accessible toilets. For further information,
contact the venue directly or see www.disabledgo.com.
Hampton Pool (Outdoor)
Tel: 020 8255 1116
Hampton Sports and Fitness Centre
Tel:020 8090 0668
Marble Hill Park Adventure Playground
Tel: 020 8891 0641 / 020 8891 4930
Palewell Pitch & Putt
Tel: 08456 122 660
Pools on the Park Richmond (Indoor & Outdoor Pool)
Tel: 020 8940 0561
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Shene Sports and Fitness Centre
Tel: 020 8878 7578
Teddington Pool & Gym (includes Hydrotherapy pool)
Tel: 020 8977 9911
Teddington Sports and Fitness Centre
Tel: 020 8977 0598
Whitton Sports and Fitness Centre
Tel: 020 8898 7795
Other Organisations
Actionnaires
Actionnaires clubs provide opportunities for blind and partially sighted children of
school age to participate in sports in a safe, structured and fun environment.
West London Actionnaires meets twice a month at various times and places.
Contact: Nicky Holloway, Children & Family Support Coordinator
Tel: 07793 527 031
Email: nicky.holloway@actionforblindpeople.org.uk
Web: www.actionforblindpeople.org.uk
Barnfield Riding for the Disabled (BRDT)
A purpose-built centre that caters for disabled riders.
Parkfields Road, Kingston, KT2 5LL.
Tel: 020 8546 3616
Email: jacqui@barnfieldriding.org
Web: www.barnfieldriding.org/brfdt.htm
Brentford FC Community Sports Trust
 Disabilities Programme: provides support to everyone with additional
support needs and disabilities in as many sporting opportunities as possible
 Richmond Kickz: a sport based social inclusion project that aims to engage
young people aged 12-18 years living in areas identified as suffering
significant levels of anti-social behaviour, in free regular sports based
activities.
Half-Acre House, 37 Half Acre, Brentford, TW8 8BH
Tel: 0844 247 1889
Email: enquiries@brentfordfccst.com
Web: www.brentfordfccst.com
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British Disabled Water Ski Association (BDWSA)
The Tony Edge National Centre, Heron Lake
Hythe End Road, Wraysbury, Middlesex, TW19 6HW
Tel: 01784 483664
Email: info@bdwsa.org
Companion Cycling
A scheme which enables people who are unable to ride "solo" cycles to enjoy cycling
with a companion in Bushy Park.
For general enquiries & bookings:
Tel: 07961 344545
Email: info@companioncycling.org.uk
Web: www.companioncycling.org.uk
Douglas Bader Sports Centre
The Douglas Bader Sports Centre at Queen Mary’s Hospital is purpose built for
disabled people, with a sports hall and gym.
Queen Mary's Hospital, Roehampton Lane,London SW15 5PN
Tel: 020 8487 6039
Email: comms@wpct.nhs.uk
Holly Lodge Centre
Provides an opportunity for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy and learn from a
series of hands-on experiences focusing on the rich natural environment in
Richmond Park.
Holly Lodge, Richmond Park, Richmond, TW10 5HS
Tel: 020 8940 8730 / 0845 438 3103
Interactive
Develops sport for all, including people with learning or physical disabilities, visual
and hearing impairments.
Tel: 020 7717 1699
Email: info@interactive.uk.net
Web: www.interactive.uk.net
PHAB Club Whitton
A youth club for disabled and non-disabled youths in the community. Tel: 07946 319
746
PHAB Club Hounslow
A youth club for disabled and non-disabled youths in the community. Tel: 07940 288
598
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Phabsail
Inclusive sailing on Sunday afternoons April to October at:
Littleton Sailing Club. The first and third Sunday of each month 2pm-5pm. Beginners
and experienced sailors welcome.
Littleton Sailing Club, Littleton Lane, Shepperton, Surrey
Tel: 01784 251318
Email: rossail@aol.com
Web: www.surreycommunity.info/phabsail
Sailability
Supervised sailing for disabled people.
Queen Mary Sailing Club, Ashford Road, Ashford, TW15 1UA
Tel: 01784 248881
Email: sailondon@queenmary.org.uk
Web: www.queenmary.org.uk/Sailability
Richmond Homes and Lifestyle Trust (RHLT)
Runs several leisure activities: Breakaway, The Look and Plan Club, DanceAct,
Cover 2 Cover.
Tel: 020 8977 5447
Email :info@rhlt.org.uk
Richmond Mencap
Summer Fun is an annual interactive summer scheme: three weeks of activities for
local children and young people with learning disabilities/special needs.
Holiday Opportunities Project (HOP) for adults 18-35+
with learning disabilities. Also three weeks, with activities more suited to adults.
Tel 020 8744 1923
Fax 020 8891 1921
Email: richmondmencap@btopenworld.com
Web: www.richmondmencap.org.uk/
Stagecoach Charitable Trust/InterAct
Drama for young people between the ages of 9 and 19
Hampton: The Foyer, United Reformed Church,
Hampton Hill High Street, Hampton TW12 1NB
Hounslow: St Johns Centre, St. Johns Rd, Isleworth TW7 6RU
Tel:01932 254333
Web: www.interactnetwork.org.uk
Walks with Wheelchairs
Web: www.walkswithwheelchairs.com
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Music, Arts, Leisure & Entertainment
Otakar Kraus Music Trust
Provides music and voice therapy for children and young people with physical and
mental difficulties.
3 Twining Avenue, Twickenham, TW2 5LL
Tel : 020 8894 2007
Fax : 020 8898 5084
Email: info@okmtrust.co.uk
Richmond Music Trust – Music Therapy
Music Therapy and activities for young people and adults.
Tel: 020 8538 3866
Email: admin@richmondmusictrust.org.uk
Web: www.richmondmusictrust.org.uk
Richmond upon Thames Gateway Club
Provides a weekly leisure and social club for people with a learning disability, aged
over 18 Contact: Linda Alexander
Tel:020 8392 6383
Mobile: 0795 131 7454
Web: www.richmondgatewayclub.org
VISOR – Visually Impaired Society of Richmond
Monthly outings and social evening with visually impaired people in and around
Richmond.
DAA, 4 Waldegrave Road, Teddington, TW11 8HT
Tel: Mondays (Sheen Lane Center, Sheen): 020 8487 5082 or 020 8487 5301
Wednesdays (DAAC): 020 8831 6080
Email: visor.daac@yahoo.co.uk
Cinema Concessions:
CEA Card - The Cinema Exhibitors' Association Card
This is a national card that can be used to verify you are entitled to one free ticket
for a person or carer accompanying you to the cinema.
Application forms are available from cinemas across the UK.
You can download an application form to print out and fill in.
To apply for this card you must:
a) Be in receipt of Disability Living Allowance or Attendance Allowance
b) Be a registered blind person
You will also need to supply a passport-sized photo with your application to appear
on the card. A processing fee of £5.50 is chargeable per card.
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Most local theatres and cinemas have wheelchair access, accessible toilets and
hearing loop or infra-red systems. Contact individual venues for details, assistance
and concessions. See www.disabledgo.com for access guides.
Curzon Cinema Richmond
Tel: 0871 703 3992
Odeon Kingston Rotunda
Tel: 0871 224 4007
Odeon Richmond
Tel: 0871 224 4007 (Information and ticket line)
Tel: 020 8940 3040 (Richmond direct line)
Odeon Studio Richmond
Tel: 0871 224 4007 (Information and ticket line)
Tel: 020 8332 6435 (Studio direct line)
Orange Tree Theatre
Has an Access Register for people who need special access arrangements, Infra
Red hearing facility, audio-described performances or touch tours.
Contact the Box Office: 020 8940 3633
Email: boxoffice@orangetreetheatre.co.uk
Richmond Theatre
Access Booking Line: 0844 871 7677
Typetalk Access Booking: 18001 0844 871 7677
Box Office: 0844 871 7651
Email: richmondboxoffice@theambassadors.com
Web: www.ambassadortickets.com/richmond-theatre
Rose Theatre Kingston
Tel: 020 8546 6693 Web: www.rosetheatrekingston.org
Entertainment in London
Artsline Disability Acess Information Service
Website providing searchable accessibility information on arts venues across
London.
Artsline, C/O 21 Pine Court, Wood
Lodge Gardens,
Bromley, BR1 2WA.
Web: www.artsline.org.uk
Tel 020 7388 2227
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Email: admin@artsline.org.uk
Shape
A disability-led arts organisation working to improve access to culture for disabled
people. They can arrange reduced ticket prices for a range of events in London, and
drivers or escorts.
Deane House Studios, 27 Greenwood Place, NW5 1LB
Tel: 0845 521 3457
Minicom: 020 7424 7368
Fax: 0845 521 3458
Web: www.shapearts.org.uk
The Victoria and Albert Museum
Events for people with sensory impairments.
Bookings: Tel: 020 7942 2211
Text phone: 020 7942 2002
Email: bookings.office@vam.ac.uk
To receive the events programme by email
Email: disability@vam.ac.uk
Web: www.vam.ac.uk
Tate Britain and Tate Modern
Programmes and services for disabled visitors.
Tel: 020 7887 8888 Minicom: 020 7887 8687
Email: visiting.britain@tate.org.uk or visiting.modern@tate.org.uk
Web: www.tate.org.uk
Parks and open spaces
Richmond has a large number of parks and gardens. Access and facilities vary, so
check before you visit.
Contact the Parks and Open Spaces Team
at
Civic Centre, 44 York Street, Twickenham, TW1 3BZ
Tel: 08456 122 660
Email: parks@richmond.gov.uk
Fax: 020 8891 7787
Web: www.richmond.gov.uk/parks_and_open_spaces
WWT London Wetland Centre
Has good access and free wheelchair loan.
Queen Elizabeth’s Walk, Barnes, London, SW13 9WT
Tel: 020 8409 4400
Fax: 020 8409 4401
Email: info.london@wwt.org.uk
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River Thames Boat Project
A registered charity that owns the specially adapted barge Richmond Venturer. It
provides community groups with the opportunity to discover the environment and
ecology of the river on day and residential cruises.
Tel: 020 8940 3509
Mobile: 07889 272985
Email: info@thamesboatproject.org
Web: www.thamesboatproject.org
Royal Botanic Gardens Kew
Has a wheelchair accessible ‘Discovery Bus’ which travels around the gardens, and
wheelchairs and scooters available on loan. Call first to ensure equipment is
available.
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, TW9 3AB
Tel: 020 8332 5655
Email: info@kew.org.uk
Library Services
All libraries in the Borough are wheelchair accessible and most have a selection of
large print books, music, audio-books, CD’s and internet access. Braille may also be
available in some libraries. Some have accessible toilets but call the individual library
for more details.
Richmond Reference Library
Old Town Hall, Whittaker Avenue, Richmond, TW9 1TP
Tel: 020 8734 3308
Local Studies Tel: 020 8734 3309
Lending libraries:
East Sheen............. 020 8734 3337
Ham......................... 020 8734 3354
Hampton.................. 020 8734 3347
Hampton Hill............ 020 8734 3320
Hampton Wick......... 020 8734 3358
Kew......................... 020 8734 3352
Richmond................ 020 8734 3330
Teddington.............. 020 8734 3304
Twickenham............ 020 8734 3340
24 hour automated renewal service: 0115 929 3388
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London Libraries Consortium Library Catalogue
This website offers access to the combined catalogues of public library services
from many London Boroughs:
Web: www.londonlibraries.gov.uk/Richmond
Housebound Library Service
A special home delivery service for older and disabled residents who cannot get to
their library:
Contact: Tony Finerty, The Cottage, Little Green,
Richmond, TW9 1QL
Tel: 020 8734 3325
Email: t.finerty@richmond.gov.uk
eLibrary: ebook and eaudiobook download service
Richmond Libraries has a new service for downloading ebooks and eaudiobooks.
You will be able to transfer audiobooks and ebooks to your PC, Mac, MP3 player,
iPod, mobile phone and ereaders. A selection of eaudiobooks can even be
transferred to CD. It is free for anyone with a Richmond Library card and available
twenty-four hours a day.
Email: peoplesnetwork@richmond.gov.uk
Web: www.richmond.gov.uk/e_books_in_richmond_libraries
and http://llc.lib.overdrive.com
Home Entertainment
Television and Radio
You may be able to get help from Adult Social Services to obtain appropriate
equipment.
Contact the Adult Social Services Access Team
Tel: 020 8891 7971
Text: 07507 512 733
Textphone:18001 020 8891 7971
Email: adultsocialservices@richmond.gov.uk
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TV Licences
If you are aged 75 or older you can get your TV Licence free. You will need your
National Insurance Number
Tel: 0300 790 6131
Web: www.tvlicensing.co.uk
You can get a 50% reduction on the TV Licence fee if you are blind or severely
sight impaired. Your licence will also cover anyone who lives with you.
Customer Relations, TV Licensing,Bristol, BS98 1TL
Web: www.tvlicensing.co.uk
The British Wireless for the Blind Fund
Provides audio equipment specially designed and adapted for listeners with sight
loss, available on free loan if you meet their criteria.
People who do not qualify for free loan can buy the radios through BWBF Direct.
British Wireless for the Blind Fund (and BWBF Direct)
10 Albion Place, Maidstone, Kent ME14 5DZ
Tel: 01622 754757
Fax: 01622 751725
Web: www.blind.org.uk
Audio description on television
The RNIB has information on audio description
RNIB Helpline Tel: 0303 123 9999
Email: helplin@rnib.org.uk
Web: www.rnib.org.uk
Subtitles on television
Action on Hearing Loss (the new name for RNID) has a fact sheet on getting
subtitles on television
Information Line: 080 8808 0123
Text phone: 080 8808 9000
Email: info@hearingloss.org.uk
Web: www.actiononhearingloss.org.uk
BSL on television
The BBC website has a dedicated Sign Zone area on its iPlayer, allowing access to
all signed programmes.
Web: www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/tv/categories/signed
Richmond Talking Newspaper
People with visual impairments and/or other physical disabilities can receive free
weekly recordings of local news.
Tel: 020 8890 8260
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The Disability Resource Team (DRT)
A local company which provides a transcription service translating printed
information into Braille, Large-print or onto Audiocassette and CD.
2nd Floor, 6 Park Road, Teddington, TW11 0AA
Tel: 020 8943 0022
Fax: 020 8943 5162
Email: maurice@disabilityresourceteam.com
Web: www.disabilityresourceteam.co.uk
Holidays
(See also Richmond AID’s Holidays Factsheet)
Tourism For All
Tourism for All UK is a national charity dedicated to making tourism welcoming to all.
c/o Vitalise, Shap Road Industrial Estate,
Shap Road, Kendal, Cumbria LA9 6NZ
Tel: 0845 124 9971
Minicom: 0845 124 9976
Fax: 01539 735567
Email: info@tourismforall.org.uk
Web: www.tourismforall.org.uk/
Richmond Homes for Life Leisure breakaway
A stay away from the family home for people with learning disabilities.
Richmond Homes for Life Trust
5-7 Cedars Road, Hampton Wick, KT1 4BG
Tel: 0202 8977 5447
Email: info@rhlt.org.uk
Mencap Holidays
Richmond Mencap Holidays provide holidays for adults with a learning disability
living independently within the local community (including some adults living with
carers).
Tel: 020 8744 1923
Fax: 020 8891 1921
Email: richmondmencap@btopenworld.com .
Web: www.richmondmencap.org.uk/
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