Leisure Link Membership Scheme

Here at North West Leicestershire District Council, we are committed to ensuring all members of the community have equal access to the services and facilities we provide. The highly successful Leisure Link scheme, which continues to expand year on year aims to reduce the barrier to exercise that price may cause. The scheme runs on an annual basis from 1st April to 31st March each year and you can join at any time. If you fit into one of the categories below then you could benefit from joining the leisure link scheme.

Leisure Link Categories

• Category 1 - In receipt of a means tested benefit
• Category 2 - Have a disability or are a corporate parenting family
• Category 3 - Full time or part time student aged 16 and 17 years, full time student aged 18 years and over or a carer
• Category 4 - Aged over 60 years

What Will the Leisure Link Scheme Give to Me?

• Free swimming and a 25% reduction in swimming lesson prices for those receiving means tested benefits at Hermitage, Hood Park Leisure Centres and Ibstock Community College
• Free swimming and a 25% reduction in swimming lesson prices for those on the learn to swim scheme or discounted rates on private swimming lessons for people with disabilities (dependant upon disability) at Hood Park and Hermitage Leisure Centres and Ibstock Community College (benefit holder only)
• Free swimming and a 25% reduction in swimming lesson prices for corporate parenting families at Hermitage, Hood Park Leisure Centres and Ibstock Community College
• Discount on the aqua package of the fitness membership scheme
• Reduced prices at the Leisure Facilities at:
  - Hermitage Leisure Centre
  - Hood Park Leisure Centre
  - Measham Leisure Centre
  - Ibstock Community College
  - Castle Donington Community College
  - Hermitage Recreation Ground

Joining Prices

Category 1 - per family

• Resident £5.50
• Non-resident £20

Categories 2, 3 and 4 - per member

• Resident £5.50
• Non-resident £20

A resident is anyone who pays their Council Tax to North West Leicestershire District Council.

Do I Qualify and What Documentation Do I Need?

Category One - Means Tested Benefit recipients

• Guarantee credit
• Housing benefits
• Income based job seekers allowance
• Income support
• Local Council Tax Support Scheme
• NHS exemption certificate (does not include maternity exemption certificate or pre-payment certificates)
• Universal Credit
• Working Tax Credit - disability element

Category Two - People with disabilities and corporate parenting families

• Attendance Allowance
• Disability living allowance
• Employment and Support allowance
• Incapacity benefit
• Personal Independance Payment
• Severe disability allowance

Corporate Parenting Families

If you are a corporate parenting family you will need to provide evidence in the format of a letter from Leicestershire County Council. Please contact the Corporate Parenting Team at Leicestershire County Council on 0116 232 3232.

Persons named on the letter will be issued a leisure link card with all being entitled to free swimming and half price swimming lessons. All other activities will be charged at a reduced rate.

Category Three - Full/Part time students aged 16 and 17 years old, full time students aged 18 and over and Carers

• Your current Student Union card
• Your current course enrolment form
• Get your Leisure Link application form stamped by your school or college
• If you are a carer then you will need to obtain proof from Voluntary Action South Leicestershire by calling 0845 689 9510

Category Four - 60 plus

• Birth certificate
• Bus Pass
• Driving Licence
• Passport

If you receive a low income benefit as listed in Category One, please apply as a Category One member.

How Do I Apply

• Simply pick up a leaflet from Hermitage, Hood Park or Measham Leisure Centres or Castle Donington or Ibstock Community Colleges. Alternatively contact Hermitage Leisure Centre and we will post one to you.
• Bring the completed form along with your proof of eligibility and joining fee along to any of the leisure facilities mentioned above. You will then be issued with an Activ8 card so that you can start taking advantage of the benefits straight away.