UKRAINIAN refugees settling in Reading are able to enjoy free membership of Reading Borough Council’s leisure centres.
Its operator, Better, has extended the scheme, launched to help welcome our European neighbours who have left the country following Putin’s illegal invasion.
The initial scheme was for three months’ free usage, but this is now six months.
If recipients are still classified as refugees after this period they will be eligible to transfer onto Better’s discounted concessionary membership scheme.
Better says the Rivermead Leisure Complex has issued 70 free memberships so far.
Craig Woodward, Better Partnership Manager for Reading, said: “We have been delighted by the success of Reading scheme to date.
“The war in Ukraine and the arrival of many Ukrainians in the UK highlighted the plight of refugees from all over the world and we wanted to do our bit to help.
“We all know the mental and physical health benefits of sports and exercise and we hope that by offering these free memberships we will enable refugees to more easily integrate into UK society and enjoy some positive recreational activities.”
He added: “The initiative builds on similar schemes that have been implemented by Better, in the past, for example in response to the displacement of people during the peak of the Syrian war.”
To apply, complete an online form at: www.better.org.uk/supported-membership-scheme.
