New membership FAQs

We have the answers for you

Universal Credit

How do I register? 

To access your membership, you will need to create a free Places membership - please click this link to set this up.

Once you have created this, you will need to take proof of eligibility for your desired membership to your chosen Places Leisure centre in Wandsworth Borough Council. Our friendly team on reception will then assign your membership to your account, and membership cards will be issued if and when required.

What proof of eligibility do I need to show?

Please click on the link to obtain your proof of eligibility. 

What do I have access to?

You will have access to free off peak and weekend swimming and gym. 

Do my children also have access? If so, what do they have access to? 

This membership is for individuals only. 

If I am currently applying for Universal Credit, can I join the membership or do I have to wait? 

This membership applies to those who are currently receiving Universal Credit. Proof of eligibility will need to be shown at your chosen centre i.e. a payslip.

Can my membership be renewed after 6 months? 

Yes, once the membership expires you can re-apply for another free 6 month membership.

If I stop receiving Universal Credit, does my membership automatically terminate?

No, your membership will expire after the 6 months. 

Which centres have swimming facilities?

Balham Leisure Centre
Latchmere Leisure Centre
Putney Leisure Centre
Tooting Leisure Centre 

Asylum seekers

How do I register? 

To access your membership, you will need to create a free Places membership - please click this link to set this up.

Once you have created this, you will need to take proof of eligibility for your desired membership to your chosen Places Leisure centre in Wandsworth Borough Council. Our friendly team on reception will then assign your membership to your account, and membership cards will be issued if and when required.

What proof of eligibility do I need to show?

You will need to show your ARC permit. 

What do I have access to?

You will have access to free off peak and weekend swimming and gym. 

Do my children also have access? If so, what do they have access to? 

Yes, your children are eligible for free swim and junior swim off-peak. No restriction on how many children, however we ask you limit the ratio to 2 children to 1 adult for swimming activities. 

Can I upgrade to a Premium membership at a discounted price?

Any upgrade would be at a cost. 

Which centres have swimming facilities?

Balham Leisure Centre
Latchmere Leisure Centre
Putney Leisure Centre
Tooting Leisure Centre 

Free school meals

How do I register? 

To access your membership, you will need to create a free Places membership - please click this link to set this up.

Once you have created this, you will need to take proof of eligibility for your desired membership to your chosen Places Leisure centre in Wandsworth Borough Council. Our friendly team on reception will then assign your membership to your account, and membership cards will be issued if and when required.

What proof of eligibility do I need to show?

You will receive a targeted text message from the local authority which you will need to show when registering at your preferred centre.

Who has access to this membership?

This membership is available for 1 adult (over 16 years) and 2 children up to 16 years, who may be siblings of each other.

What activities do my children get access to?

We offer lots of activities for children including Active Play and Bounce, Soft Play, junior gym, swimming sessions and more.

What times can juniors access the gym?

Each of our centres have specific junior gym hours. If you know your chosen centre, please visit their website and check their timetable.

What can I do if I am not eligible for this membership?

We have many other membership options available, see here. We also allow under 8's to swim for free in our Family Fun sessions; they must be accompanied by an adult and we limit this to a 2 children to 1 adult ratio. 

Which centres have swimming facilities?

Balham Leisure Centre
Latchmere Leisure Centre
Putney Leisure Centre
Tooting Leisure Centre 

Foster carers

How do I register? 

To access your membership, you will need to create a free Places membership - please click this link to set this up.

Once you have created this, you will need to take proof of eligibility for your desired membership to your chosen Places Leisure centre in Wandsworth Borough Council. Our friendly team on reception will then assign your membership to your account, and membership cards will be issued if and when required.

What proof of eligibility do I need to show?

You will receive a targeted letter from the local authority which you will need to show when registering at your preferred centre. 

What do I have access to?

You will have unlimited access to our gym, swimming pools and our group exercise classes. You will also have free use of SWIMTAG, 15 days advanced booking from the start time of your sessions, a gym introduction, and use of our app.

Do my children also have access? If so, what do they have access to? 

Yes, the children you are fostering are also eligible for this membership. We offer lots of activities for children including Active Play and Bounce, Soft Play, junior gym, swimming sessions and more.

If I am no longer a foster carer, but was a foster carer for many years, do I still qualify for this membership? 

This membership is for current foster carers only. 

Which centres have swimming facilities?

Balham Leisure Centre
Latchmere Leisure Centre
Putney Leisure Centre
Tooting Leisure Centre 

Care leavers 

How do I register? 

To access your membership, you will need to create a free Places membership - please click this link to set this up.

Once you have created this, you will need to take proof of eligibility for your desired membership to your chosen Places Leisure centre in Wandsworth Borough Council. Our friendly team on reception will then assign your membership to your account, and membership cards will be issued if and when required.

What proof of eligibility do I need to show?

You will receive a targeted letter  from the local authority which you will need to show when registering at your preferred centre. 

What do I have access to?

You will have unlimited access to our gym, swimming pools and our group exercise classes. You will also have free use of SWIMTAG, 15 days advanced booking from the start time of your session, a gym introduction, and use of our app.

If I am still in care, am I eligible for this membership?

This membership only applies to those who are no longer in care and are aged 16-25.

Do my children also have access? If so, what do they have access to? 

Yes, you can add up to 4 juniors*. We offer lots of activities for children including Active Play and Bounce, Soft Play, junior gym, swimming sessions and more.

Which centres have swimming facilities?

Balham Leisure Centre
Latchmere Leisure Centre
Putney Leisure Centre
Tooting Leisure Centre 

*T&Cs apply