Fairer and free access concessions

The fairer and free access schemes provide discounts or free access to some activities at our sports and fitness centres and is available to certain residents in Richmond.

Fairer Access Scheme

Fairer access to Richmond borough sports and fitness centres can be obtained by purchasing a concession Richmond Card with an active leisure subscription.

The scheme is open to Richmond residents who receive one of the following benefits:

• Job seekers allowance 
• Income support 
• Housing benefit
• Working tax credit
• Disability allowance
• Carer allowance
• Universal Credit 
• Pension credit

Discounts

The following discounts are included with a concession Richmond Card:

• Savings on pay as you go swimming and gym sessions
• Free general swimming for children of parents with a concession Richmond Card - available for indoor general swimming sessions only
• 40% discount on junior coached activities - excludes swimming lessons

These discounts apply at the following centres:

• Pools on the Park, Richmond 
• Teddington Pools and Fitness Centre
• Shene Sports and Fitness Centre
• Whitton Sports and Fitness Centre
• Hampton Sports and Fitness Centre
• Teddington Sports Centre 

How to apply

You can apply for a concession Richmond Card online.

Alternatively, you can apply in person at one of our sports and fitness centres.

As part of your concession Richmond Card application, you must provide proof of your benefits. We will accept a letter confirming your eligibility, or proof of payment to your bank account. Proof documentation must be dated within the last three months when applying. Proof can be uploaded when applying online or brought along when applying in person at a centre.

Remember - you must live in Richmond to be able to purchase a concession Richmond Card.

Sanctuary seekers and people in emergency accommodation 

Sanctuary seekers and people in emergency accommodation in Richmond can apply for a free concession Richmond Card with an active leisure subscription, and receive free access to the following activities: 

• General swimming sessions - indoor pools only 
• Group exercise classes 
• Gym sessions 

You can obtain free access to the above activities at the following centres:

• Pools on the Park, Richmond 
• Teddington Pools and Fitness Centre
• Shene Sports and Fitness Centre
• Whitton Sports and Fitness Centre
• Hampton Sports and Fitness Centre

How to apply 

To apply for a free concession Richmond Card, you must be a sanctuary seeker or in emergency accommodation in Richmond. 

Applications must be made by emailing the Leisure Card team.

As part of your application email, you must provide proof of your eligibility. The following details will be required for the person applying:

• Full name 
• Gender 
• Date of birth 
• Email address 
• Telephone or mobile number 
• Name of primary sport and fitness centre wishing to attend 

If you have any difficulties applying via email, then you can visit one of our centres and a member of staff will assist you.

Proof of your eligibility must be provided with your application. We will accept a letter from the Home Office, letter from the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, or an Asylum Application Registration Card (ARC). Any proofs being used must be dated within the last three months. 

Contact

For more information, contact the Leisure Card team.

• Email: leisurecard@richmond.gov.uk
• Telephone: 020 3772 2999