Better leisure centres throughout Cornwall are offering Ukrainian refugees free centre membership, or a lesson or course membership, for a fixed three-month period. The scheme is open to refugees who were living in the Ukraine prior to January 2022, along with all other international refugees who have been granted refugee or asylum status by the UK Government.

​Operating under the Better brand, GLL is a not-for-profit social enterprise that runs Cornwall’s leisure centres on behalf of Cornwall Council.

“We have all been very moved by the terrible things that have been happening in Ukraine and wanted to do something to help,” said James Curry, Head of Service for GLL in Cornwall. “Exercise is known to have both physical and mental health benefits and we’re hoping that what we’re doing can play a small part in making refugees’ experience of life in the UK as positive as possible.”

​Applications to the scheme can be made by the individuals concerned, their family hosts or charities and organisations acting on their behalf.

The Cornwall Refugee and Resource Network (CRRN) will be helping GLL promote the opportunity to all those eligible within the local area.

A CRRN spokesperson said: “Being able to access a local leisure centre not only provides health benefits, but also offers opportunities to build confidence, socialise and feel part of the community, which are essential to feeling truly welcome in a new area.

“We’re proud to support this initiative and it’s brilliant to see GLL demonstrate inclusive leadership by ensuring that all refugees and asylum seekers can benefit, not only those from Ukraine.”

There are two options on offer. Firstly, a Better Health Centre membership for those wanting to take part in exercise classes or use facilities like the gym and swimming pool and secondly a lesson or course membership. There are no age restrictions and all Better-operated facilities across the UK are participating.

To apply, email [email protected] or [email protected] and attach proof of eligibility. This can be a Home Office letter confirming refugee or asylum status, a Ukrainian Family Scheme Visa or proof of application to the UK Government as a Ukrainian refugee.

Applications should include the following information:

• First Name
• Last Name
• Date of Birth
• Email Address
• Phone Number
• Gender
• Selected Leisure Centre
• If applying for lesson or course membership, the name of selected lesson or course

Applicants are also asked to attach proof of eligibility for the scheme to their email.  Better will accept any of the following documents:

• A letter from the Home Office confirming refugee or asylum status
• A Ukrainian Family Scheme Visa
• Proof of application to the UK Government as a Ukrainian refugee

Applicants for the free membership scheme will receive a reply within three working days.

The recording of our first CRRN Insights Series session on Language and Communication is now available online. Thank you to Louise Canham from Truro and Penwith College and Sue Topf from Falmouth & Penryn Welcome Refugee Families for joining us and thank you to everyone who attended. You can catch up with the recording below and find more information on our Links & Resources webpages here.

Don't miss out on our next session in the series, focused on supporting mental wellbeing. You can find more information and how to join online via Zoom in our last blog post! 

Thursday 26th May, 6 - 7:30pm
An online Zoom information session about supporting mental wellbeing, aimed at people hosting, sponsoring, volunteering or working with refugees and asylum seekers.

This session will cover:

- Accessing services
- General do's and don'ts
- Emotional wellbeing of hosts and guests

Followed by Q&A and facilitated by Dean Harvey, Community Development Worker and Associate Non-Executive Director at the Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.

Please click this link to join the meeting, or use the Zoom joining details below: 
Meeting ID: 949 3459 3631
Password: 469153

This is the second event in the CRRN Insights Series aimed at supporting people working with, hosting or supporting refugees and asylum seekers in any capacity. Please come back to our blog or visit our Facebook page for information about future events and contact us if there is a particular theme or topic you feel would be helpful to explore as part of the series.

We're launching the online CRRN Insights Series on Thursday 12th May at 6pm. This series aims to offer insights and share knowledge with our Network and support hosts, sponsors and others working with refugees and asylum seekers. 

The first session is focused on language and communication, featuring speakers who are experienced ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) professionals and interpreters. Please visit the Facebook event page to find out more and keep an eye out for future events in the series.