PASSPORT TO LEISURE

SENIORS SECTION

HISTORY

In 2005 Swanley Town Council took a decision to sell its hotel in Eastbourne.  The hotel had provided reasonably priced holidays for senior citizens of Swanley parish for 20 years.  The Council wanted to continue providing a service for more mature residents and decided to offer day trips, short breaks and events to residents aged 60 or over and these started in April 2006.  There is now a database of over 1000 residents who receive regular details of outings and events, all of which are well supported.

MEMBERSHIP

There is no membership fee.  Residents must complete a form with their personal details and next of kin contact information.  Forms are available at the Civic Centre reception, at the Local Information Desk in the Library building or by telephoning 01322 665855.

DISABLED FACILITIES

Our drivers can store wheelchairs and motorised scooters in the hold. Passengers will need to access the coach via the steps.  For some events and outings we can provide a specially adapted coach with a wheelchair lift for residents who are unable to walk.  We have a wheeled walking frame which we can loan for outings.  We also have volunteers who can push wheelchair-dependent passengers on day trips.

PROGRAMME

Information is posted or emailed approximately every two months, with two or three events/outings listed each time.  Details may also be obtained from the Civic Centre or from the Local Information Desk.  Outings are varied to suit individual interests and pay special attention to the mobility needs of some of our older seniors wherever possible.

BOOKINGS

Each mailing is sent second class on a Thursday to try and ensure that all members have an equal opportunity to book on the following Monday when reservations begin.  Please be aware that if you try to book by phone the lines will be very busy.  If you come in person there is likely to be a queue.  We do, however, try to accommodate everyone wherever possible and we can add extra coaches for some trips.

JUNIOR SECTION 

HISTORY

Following the popularity of the greatly subsidised sports coaching offered to young people through the Single Regeneration Budget project the Town Council were involved in (Active into Sport), Swanley Town Council introduced the Junior Passport to Leisure scheme in September 2004.  The Council wanted to continue to provide affordable sports coaching and put on theatre trips and excursions during the school holidays for young people aged 8-16 years. Members must live in the Parish of Swanley and membership subsidies are available in some cases where parents/guardians are in receipt of some benefits.  There is now a database of over 200 young people who receive regular details of outings and sports activities, all of which are well supported.

The Town Council is also working with other agencies to offer discounts on some of their activities.  For instance, the Town Council offers all Passport to Leisure members the opportunity to have 25% off swims ALL YEAR round at White Oak Leisure Centre, thanks to 10% discount from Sencio and 15% from the Town Council; we also offer discounts on some of Sencio’s Funtastic programmes at Swanley.  During the summer the Town Council also offers discounts on some of the Kent Youth Service’s summer programme for 11-16 year olds.

MEMBERSHIP

There is an initial £5 joining fee, and renewal each year at only £1.  Members must complete a form with their personal details and next of kin contact information, which must be signed by their parent/guardian also.  Forms are available at the Civic Centre reception, at the Local Information Desk in the Library building or by telephoning 01322 665855.

DISABLED FACILITIES

We can offer the opportunity for members of all abilities to participate in sport or to go on any outing; please let us know if you have any special requirements, and we will do out best to accommodate you.  Normally a carer is required to escort the young person on any outing/activity.

SUPERVISION OF YOUNG PEOPLE

Passport to Leisure members are escorted on outings by sessional staff employed by the Town Council and/or volunteers and staff from the Town Council; a ratio of 1 to 8 is the general guideline in terms of supervision.  EVERY person employed to escort the young people are required to undergo a Standard CRB check before they are employed.  The Town Council does not offer a youth mentoring service within its Passport to Leisure scheme; young people are escorted on outings and will be reprimanded for bad behaviour, but are not mentored by staff. A code of conduct is followed on outings.

Any sports coach employed to undertake coaching sessions by the Town Council is required to undertake a Standard CRB check by us before they are employed by us.

Swanley Town Council has a Child Protection Policy in place which is available to any parent/guardian and read by all members of the sessional staff.

PROGRAMME

Information is posted or emailed to every member prior to each holiday period. Details may also be obtained from the Civic Centre or from the Local Information Desk.  Outings are varied to suit differing interests.

BOOKINGS

Bookings are made at the Civic Centre; parents are required to complete booking form and a permission slip for each child on an outing/activity, and are required to pay by the specified date to secure a booking.