National Volunteer Week starts tomorrow (Thursday). Stephen Hughes, Volunteer Development Manager, tells us why National Volunteer Week is an important celebration for Edinburgh Leisure:
“This week is National Volunteer Week, celebrating the tremendous impact volunteers have on communities around the UK. Volunteers’ Week is a UK wide campaign that takes place from 1-7 June every year. The Volunteers’ Week campaign started in 1984 making this the 39th year.
Edinburgh Leisure is proud to be supported by 113 volunteers who run or support 91 Active Communities sessions each week. We thank all our volunteers for the continued support and effort they put into volunteering with us.
“Volunteers are crucial to helping Edinburgh Leisure achieve outcomes such as improving physical and mental health while making more people more active.
“Without them, our Active Communities programme would not be the same. I would also like to thank our volunteer managers who play an integral role to provide an enjoyable and rewarding experience for our volunteers.
“In my new role working with volunteers, I am excited to bring the volunteer celebration event back for the first time since 2019. It will take place later in the month at Norton Park Conference Centre.
“The volunteer celebration is a fantastic opportunity to bring our community of volunteers together to thank them for their hard work, hear about the positive impact their volunteering has on Active Communities participants and provide a space for volunteers to spend time together to talk about their experiences.
“If you would like to find out more about volunteering opportunities with Edinburgh Leisure, we’d love to hear from you. There are lots of ways to get involved. However, you choose to donate your time, you’ll be making a difference to local people’s lives.”
Edinburgh’s leading sports and leisure provider, Edinburgh Leisure, will be running a series of coaching academies that will provide nationally recognised qualifications that will enable successful learners to lead safe and enjoyable sport/physical activity.
Targeted at young people aged 16-24 years, and fully funded through Edinburgh Leisure’s Active Communities, The Coaching Academy will assist young people to learn new skills for the job market, using the capacity of sports coaching to transform lives, increase motivation, encourage learning, and support personal development.
The inaugural 2023 intake will be limited to 16 candidates with learning focussed on studying for a sport leadership qualification and sports’ specific coaching course qualifications.
Candidates will gain the SCQF Sports Leaders Level 5 qualification carried out as a week-long course starting Monday 17th and finishing on Friday 21st July at Meadowbank Sports Centre delivered by Edinburgh Leisure.
The Sports Leaders sessions use sport to deliver fun and engaging physical activities with other attendees. Candidates will plan, lead, and evaluate sports/physical activity sessions over a number of tutored hours and then demonstrate their leadership skills as part of an assessment.
Upon completion of Sports Leaders, a series of three coaching qualifications will be delivered once weekly at Meadowbank Sports Centre for the 16 candidates. Attendance at all courses is required.
Those qualifications are:
Scottish Badminton: Badminton Basics course: 27th July 2023
‘Badminton Basics’ is a six-hour course geared towards coaches with little or no badminton experience. It focuses on fun games for beginners, allowing participants to lead sessions at schools and assist more experienced coaches at clubs. Badminton Basics is a core component of the new coaching awards and, as such, is the first step on the pathway.
Scottish Athletics: Leading Athletics course: 3rd August 2023
The three-hour ‘Leading Athletics’ workshop is available for coaches and allows for the training and development of new volunteers, with the aim of supporting existing leadership programmes and attracting more young leaders into the sport of athletics. The ‘Leading Athletics’ workshop is aimed at individuals looking to gain the skills to lead athletics activities for young athletes. Individuals completing the course will be able to support Coaching Assistants and Athletics Coaches.
Scottish FA: 1.1 Introduction to Football Coaching course: 10th August 2023
The Scottish FA Level 1.1 Introduction to Coaching course aims to develop a basic understanding of The Scottish FA coach education pathway and the coach’s learning journey focusing on effective communication and player interaction to develop effective delivery.
Participants will be signposted to Edinburgh Leisure volunteering opportunities within sports venues and holiday programme provision, where they will be immersed in all aspects of the sport and leisure coaching environment. This can lead to employment opportunities within Edinburgh Leisure.
Edinburgh Leisure will host a celebratory closing event.
To apply, click this link or scan the QR code to fill in the initial application form.
Edinburgh Leisure is looking for candidates with a passion for sport, enthusiasm for learning and looking for a new opportunity.
Registration closes on Friday, 30th June 2023. Edinburgh Leisure is looking for initial candidates with a passion for sport, enthusiasm for learning and looking for a new opportunity.
Scotland’s fourth oldest public swimming bath, Warrender Swim Centre, is to reopen its doors to the public Tuesday 23rd May, having undergone a major refurbishment.
June Peebles, Chief Executive at Edinburgh Leisure said: “Edinburgh Leisure, in partnership with the City of Edinburgh Council, is delighted to be reopening the doors to Warrender Swim Centre, a Victorian pool loved by so many.
“We’d like to thank our customers for their patience during the somewhat longer than expected closure period. However, once inside the venue I’m sure everyone will agree it’s been worth the wait.
“Originally known as Warrender Baths, the venue has been serving the community since 1887 and this major investment will ensure Warrender Swim Centre, as it is now known, will continue to serve the community for many years to come.”
The latest major investment has been about maintaining the balance of Victorian charm and an environmentally efficient 21st century facility and, of course, improving the customer experience.
Significant changes and upgrades to Warrender Swim Centre have taken place including:
Maintenance work and repairs to the sandstone structure, windows, roof, and roof structures in keeping with the building’s listing.
Decoration throughout, including updating the changing rooms, both wet and dry, and retiling of the poolside.
Enclosing the area overlooking the pool and adding air-cooling.
New easy access, making it easier for customers to access the building and their activities, with the simple swipe of their membership card or fob.
Upgrades to the mechanical and electrical works, including improvements to the ventilation system.
New pool plant.
New boilers.
New lighting.
New air handling throughout the building including the gym.
Installation of a new sauna.
Stephanie Kelly, Manager at Warrender Swim Centre said: “We’re so excited at the prospect of welcoming customers into our lovely, refurbished swim centre.
“The renovations have taken longer than expected but as anyone who has ever renovated an older property will know, there’s usually something uncovered that requires a change of plan or often additional work, and that’s certainly been the case with Warrender.
“We know that our loyal and our new customers, and of course, Warrender Swim Club, who have such a long association with the venue, will be delighted with the extensive work that has been carried out. Team Warrender look forward to welcoming back you all back to this iconic, Victorian swimming pool.”
Cllr Val Walker, Culture and Communities Convener, said: “I’m really looking forward to Warrender Swim Centre reopening its doors, and I’m sure many users are looking forward to once again going for a swim in the beautiful surroundings of the heritage building.
“The major refurbishment has made sure some modern adjustments and improvements have been made whilst keeping the charm of the original Victorian building. I’m delighted that this investment will ensure families can continue to enjoy Warrender Swim Centre for many years to come.”
With a 25-yard pool, sauna, and a gym, Warrender is a Victorian swim centre in the heart of Bruntsfield and Marchmont. This historic venue retains many of its original features, including the original steam room’s roof in the gym, but also has the modern facilities required for an active, healthy life. The gym is in what used to be the Turkish Baths.
Join during the first week of Warrender’s re-opening from 23rd May to pay ‘No Joining Fee’ on your new membership. Additional member benefits can be enjoyed like priority bookings, free gym introduction and discounts on a range of activities. And unlike many other gyms, there is no contract and customers can freeze or cancel their membership at any time.
Edinburgh Leisure has different memberships that are flexible and affordable to fit around individuals/couples. Choose a Gym, Swim or Fitness Class package (not available at Warrender) at your local venue or sign up for Edinburgh Leisure’s most popular Full Fitness membership giving unlimited access to all their venues across the city.
Don’t get yourself in a pickle! Invented in the USA over 50 years ago by a family who named it after their dog Pickles, Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in the world.
Played on a court very similar to badminton but with a lower net, it is played with a ball and a paddle, and uses racket skills from tennis, squash, badminton and table tennis. The rules and scoring system mean that pickleball is very accessible for the young and not so young, making it a family activity for everyone to enjoy.
Pickleball is available at the new Meadowbank Sports Centre and Gracemount Leisure Centre. Book your place online or via the App under ‘Social Sport Class”
Volunteering
Have time on your hands? Perhaps, you could consider volunteering for Edinburgh Leisure?AtEdinburgh Leisure, their wonderful volunteers play a vital role in supporting people in our Active Communities programme.
They make an enormous difference to people’s lives and, quite simply, many of Edinburgh Leisure’s projects couldn’t exist without them. No matter which role you undertake as a volunteer, training and support will be provided.
Most people are familiar with Aquafit, but Hydrospin takes working out in water to a whole new level. If you’ve tried spinning, then try cycling underwater for an hour to get a whole new perspective on a workout.
Hydrospin is a water-based fitness class combining the dynamism of indoor studio cycling with the benefits of water-based exercise.Available at the Royal Commonwealth Pool only.
Hone your skills in the water with Edinburgh Leisure’s 1-2-1 swim and dive lessons.
Whether you are looking to build confidence in the pool or perfect your technique Edinburgh Leisure’s enthusiastic team will help guide, support and encourage you to achieve your goals – fast. Their lessons are open to all ages and abilities, although the swim 1-2-1 session times are more suitable for adults.
Prices are £22 for a 25-minute session or £44 for 50 minutes. Bookings can be made up to a week in advance (or 8 days in advance if you have a membership card).
And if squash isn’t your bag, then there’s always tennis, badminton, Pickleball or table tennis.
Edinburgh Leisure run a series of Adult social sport classes across their venues. These are regular social and fun classes designed for all ages and abilities:
Badminton – Instructor led adult social classes available at Craiglockhart Tennis Centre, Gracemount Leisure Centre, Meadowbank Sports Centre and Wester Hailes High School. More information on these sessions can be found here
Pickleball – Gracemount Leisure Centre and Meadowbank Sports Centre. Book your place in the class online or via the App under ‘Social Sport Class” Take a dip in a Victorian pool
Edinburgh Leisure boasts not one but five Victorian pools!
At Glenogle, Portobello, Dalry, Leith Victoria and Warrender, which over the years have received substantial refurbishment and TLC. To swim in a Victorian pool with the natural light that floods in through their glass roofs is a relaxing experience like no other.
Turkish Baths, steam rooms and saunas
And chill! Looking for something a little less strenuous or to soothe your muscles after a workout? Or just a place to unwind?
Taking some regular time out can improve your mental and physical wellbeing. The gentle moist heat in Edinburgh Leisure’s spa facilities will relax your mind and body which can have a beneficial effect on your sleep and help to alleviate any aches and pains. There are lots of options across Edinburgh!
And for the ultimate in relaxation therapy, look no further than Edinburgh Leisure’s authentic, original Victorian-designed Turkish Baths at Portobello Swim Centre, the last of their kind in Edinburgh.
With 50+ venues across the city, which includes 1 world-class climbing centre;11 superb swimming pools, including 5 Victorian ones; 15 state-of-the-art gyms; 32 tennis courts; 141 sports pitches; and 750+ fitness classes per week, wherever you’re at on the map or in life, Edinburgh Leisure is right up your street and has a flexible and affordable membership option to suit most budgets.
Those joining in May will pay no joining fee*. There are also additional member benefits, including priority bookings, free gym induction and discounts on a range of activities. There is no contract and membership can be frozen or cancelled at any time.
For more information and to join Edinburgh Leisure:
Swimmers from Edinburgh Leisure’s coaching sessions are looking to dive into history with the Great Royal Swim Challenge by taking on the challenge to collectively swim from the Royal Commonwealth Pool to Balmoral Castle in celebration of the King’s Coronation.
Children in Edinburgh Leisure’s coaching classes in Swim Skills 4, Club Ready and Junior Skills & Drills classes, will aim to swim a total of 166km, the distance between the Royal Commonwealth Pool and Balmoral Castle, during their swim lessons between now and 5th May, with each class totalling the distance they swim.
As there are different numbers of classes at each pool it will be an Edinburgh Leisure team challenge and the total distance in metres for all pools will be accumulated to reach Balmoral Castle.
Marie Kneeshaw, Edinburgh Leisure’s Aquatics Development Officer explained: “Our swim coordinators collectively came up with this exciting challenge for swimmers in our coaching classes to take on the challenge to swim 166km, the distance between the Commie Pool and Balmoral Castle, aiming to complete the challenge by Friday, 5th May, just before the King’s Coronation.
“This will be an amazing target to reach and hopefully this will get our swimmers up for the challenge.”
At the end of the challenge each swimmer in the Swim Skills 4, Club Ready and Junior Skills & Drills will receive a certificate of congratulations for taking part in the Great Royal Swim.
Follow the children’s progress by following Edinburgh Leisure on their social media channels on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
Charity Edinburgh Leisure who celebrated its 25th anniversary on 1 April 2023, has rewarded one lucky Edinburgh lady with a free annual membership to celebrate her being their 25,000th current member.
Daniela Ceban, who lives in Dalry, had recently signed up for a fitness membership at her local Edinburgh Leisure venue, Dalry Swim Centre.
Sales Manager, Matthew Smith, explained: “Edinburgh Leisure has recently celebrated its 25th anniversary and we were delighted to discover that it also coincided with our 25,000th current member joining in the same month.
“We thought it would be a great gesture to reward this lucky person with a free annual fitness membership at their chosen venue.
Daniela Ceban said: “It made my week when Edinburgh Leisure rang me to say that they wanted to ‘gift’ me a free year’s membership at Dalry to celebrate me being their 25,000th current member.
“I love Dalry Swim Centre as it’s close to where I live, and the staff are all friendly and welcoming. I originally started out using the pool but will also be using the gym now.”
Edinburgh Leisure is currently offering new customers the opportunity to try before they buy, with an offer of 7 days for £7, offering unlimited access to gym, swim, fitness classes and climbing for one week only.
For only £7, the pass gives customers unlimited access to:
16 gyms
11 swimming pools
Over 750 fitness classes per week
The Edinburgh International Climbing Arena at Ratho
People can sign up for the 7 days pass online under short-term memberships at any of the Edinburgh Leisure venues.
Customers buying a 7-day pass will automatically be entered into a free prize draw to win a year’s Full Fitness membership with Edinburgh Leisure, when they purchase the pass online.
Edinburgh Leisure’s venues feature some of the latest gym equipment with on-hand instructors who are happy to show customers ‘the ropes’ and how to use the equipment; have a range of swimming pools including four Victorian pools and the famous Olympic-sized Royal Commonwealth Pool, plus a selection of saunas and steam rooms, and of course the International Climbing Arena at Ratho.
So, wherever you’re at on the map or in life, Edinburgh Leisure has something for everyone, no matter what their fitness level.
A local man is thanking his lucky stars and staff at a popular city sports venue for saving his life, when he collapsed on the running track following a training session early in March.
Keith Ridley, 69, from Willowbrae, and a coach with Edinburgh Athletic Club had just finished his own training session on the outdoor running track at Meadowbank Sports Centre, before he was due to start training younger members of the club, when he collapsed.
Thanks to the quick action of some medical students, who were training on the track, and Martin Bews, Operations Supervisor at Meadowbank Sports Centre, who administered CPR until the ambulance arrived to take over, Mr Ridley has lived to tell the tale. Greg Cobb, a Welcome Host at Meadowbank, who had trained as a cardiac nurse in a previous life, also gave invaluable support to Martin at the time.
Keith was taken to the Royal Infirmary in Edinburgh, where he had two stents installed in blocked arteries and an ICD (implantable defibrillator) in his chest.
Keith Ridley said: “I count myself incredibly fortunate with the circumstances in which my heart attack happened and will be forever grateful for the quick actions of the medical students and the staff at Edinburgh Leisure’s Meadowbank Sports Centre, especially Martin and Greg, who most definitely saved my life.
“Medical friends of mine have told me just how critical those first few minutes are in terms of the right care administered that can make the difference in saving a life.”
Claire Rusack, Operations Director at Edinburgh Leisure said: “We are so glad that Keith is doing well and on the road to recovery. We are so proud of all the team and for the great outcome.
“Edinburgh Leisure places a huge importance on equipping our staff with the necessary skills to cope with lots of different situations. In this instance, their first aid training and accident and emergency procedures ensured an incident well managed. You hope you’ll never have to use your first aid skills, but it just highlights how critical these skills can be in saving someone’s life.”
Keith spent a week in hospital but recovered well and has now returned home. On the advice of his cardiology nurse, he is undertaking light exercise including walking and hopes to return to a structured exercise programme in the near future. He is hoping that he might be eligible to be referred to Edinburgh Leisure’s Fit For Health programme to help with his rehabilitation.
Fit For Health is a 16-week physical activity referral programmed delivered by Edinburgh Leisure in partnership with the Edinburgh Health & Social Care Partnership. Sessions are delivered across various Edinburgh Leisure venues.
Edinburgh Leisure offers First Aid courses, which are accredited by Ofqual and presented in association with the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK). These include First Aid at Work (Full 3 days); First Aid at Work (2 days refresher), Emergency First Aid at Work (1 day), Paediatric First Aid (2 days),
Emergency Paediatric First Aid (1 day).
Edinburgh Leisure also run first aid courses for clubs and colleges. These are in addition to their RLSS programme, and they welcome any requests.
Twenty-five years of making a positive impact on the wellbeing of the city
Dedicated to making a positive difference by creating opportunities for everyone to get active, stay active, and achieve more, the charity Edinburgh Leisure, who manage over 50 of the city’s sports and leisure venues, celebrates 25 years today, Saturday, 1st April 2023.
Back when Tony Blair was Prime Minister, Bill Clinton was the President of the USA and Titanic was the top movie at the box office, a new leisure trust, Edinburgh Leisure was created, officially being ‘born’ on 1 April 1998.
June Peebles, Edinburgh Leisure’s CEO said: “I’m proud of all that Edinburgh Leisure has achieved over the last 25 years and although a lot has changed in the physical activity sector and indeed within our organisation, ultimately, our vision and mission has always been about providing quality services to support the people of Edinburgh to be active and healthy.
“Depending on where people live in the city, they’re probably familiar with their local Edinburgh Leisure venue. But there’s more to us than meets the eye, with 1 world-class climbing centre; 6 golf courses; 12 superb swimming pools; 17 state-of-the-art gyms; 3 soft plays; 32 tennis courts; 141 sports pitches; and 750+ fitness classes per week. We also manage community access to the sports facilities in the city’s 23 High Schools.
“And, while our venues are well-known, many people are less familiar with our Active Communities programme, which currently supports over 10,000 people each year affected by health conditions, disabilities, inequalities, and poverty to be and stay active. We currently deliver 22 projects across the city, helping people to lead healthier, happier, and more active lives.”
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Over the years, there have been many highlights which include: the reopening of the new Meadowbank Sports Centre in July 2022; the refurbishment of the Royal Commonwealth Pool, reopening in 2012 in time to host the diving element of the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games; and soon Warrender Swim Centre, will reopen once again following a refurbishment.
Edinburgh Leisure’s employees are an important part of what makes Edinburgh Leisure special. When the charity formed in 1998, they ‘inherited’ 650 employees from the former Council’s Sport and Leisure Services department, and 58 of them still work for the charity today and have 25+ years’ service. In fact, they have many long-serving members of staff, with 59 staff having worked for Edinburgh Leisure for 15-20 years and 55 staff for 20-25 years.
Vicki Mercer, Leisure Attendant (Schools) at Holyrood High School, Edinburgh Leisure (and previously Booking Officer and Receptionist at the old Meadowbank) who celebrated 30 years with Edinburgh Leisure on 29 March said: “I feel very lucky that I have managed to blend my role with Edinburgh Leisure and family life throughout the years as many of my former colleagues who started their families did. The flexibility of hours and roles have been fantastic.
“Edinburgh Leisure has also played a big part in my family, whether it was coaching classes, birthday parties and the many memorable and fun outings to the old Meadowbank Sports Centre’s Fireworks Displays. Edinburgh Leisure has certainly grown over the years, just like my children.”
Commenting on why Edinburgh Leisure retains staff for such a long time, June Peebles said: “We work in the physical activity sector which is lots of fun and our staff have a passion for physical activity and the positive impact it has on people’s lives.
“I always say it’s the people that make Edinburgh Leisure. Our company values – welcoming, caring, passionate and proud – shape the culture of Edinburgh Leisure and how we behave to each other and our customers. Edinburgh Leisure is a great place to work, and I think this contributes to why we have managed to retain so many staff with so many years of long service years between them.
“We’re operating in what continues to be uncertain and volatile times with challenging financial circumstances. Our vision remains the same as it always has been which is to provide quality services to support the people of Edinburgh to be active and healthy, and to improve the health of the city.
“Wherever you’re at on the map or in life, we’ve got something to get you moving, keep you moving and feeling good.”
For those older adults looking to get back in the saddle again, Ageing Well, will be starting a new 11-week cycling course, where participants can develop those dormant skills in a relaxed and social atmosphere with like-minded companions.
Ryan Dignan, Edinburgh Leisure’s Community Development Officer for Older Adults explained: “Cycling is a great way to keep fit, active and mobile and enjoy the outdoors and countryside on the amazing network of dedicated cycle paths in the Edinburgh area.
“Perhaps you’d like to join grandchildren on family rides or just to meet some new people? And don’t worry if you haven’t been on a bike for ages or don’t currently own one, we even provide bikes, helmets, and Hi-Viz vests, so all you need to bring is yourself! The courses are led by experienced, fully trained volunteers who are passionate about cycling and supporting those who would like to get back in the saddle.”
The initial level 1 course, based on Cycling Scotland’s Bikeability material is an 11-week course, which will get participants comfortable again on a bike, developing skills, at a pace that suits them, in a dedicated area at Saughton. This part of the course will begin on Monday, 27th February at 10am-12noon.
Level 2 lasts 8-weeks and gives participants the opportunity to explore Edinburgh’s extensive cycle path network, from the leisure centres at Ainslie Park and Meggetland.
For more information and to book a place on the cycle course, contact a member of Edinburgh Leisure’s Active Communities team on: Tel: 0131 458 2260 or email: active@edinburghleisure.co.uk
The Ageing Well project promotes healthy lifestyles for older adults (typically 50+) in Edinburgh. The project is a partnership with NHS Lothian, Edinburgh Leisure and Pilmeny Development Project and is part of the UK Ageing Well network, which aims to increase the expectation of good health in later life.
