Do you want to take part in activities at Stoke Mandeville Stadium but feel you need a little support? Or are you a friendly person with time to support someone in your community to get more active? Either way, our Activity Buddies project could be for you.
Activity Buddies pairs people who need a little extra support with a Buddy who will be with you for a session at the leisure centre, making sure you feel comfortable and at ease. It might be someone you already know, such as a friend or family member. Or we can pair you with a friendly partner who can give you the support you need while you're at the centre.
Our Activity Buddies project helps get you active to improve your overall wellbeing. People with conditions such as dementia, anxiety, reduced mobility, and mental health issues are welcome to take part.
As part of the project, the person needing support pays reduced prices per session, while there is no charge to the Activity Buddy. As a thank you, Activity Buddies get free leisure centre time for every hour they support their buddy.
How do I join?
To sign up, you need to do two things first: register on our Time Online 2 (TOL2) website and also become a member of Stoke Mandeville Stadium. Both are free.
TOL2 Registration
You can register for TOL2 in advance, by using the link below, or you can register at the Stoke Mandeville Stadium at the same time as getting your site membership.
Once registered you will be able to see people who are also on the scheme—both people needing support and potential buddies will be on TOL2.
If you are looking for someone to come in with, you will both need to agree to coming to the Stoke Mandeville Stadium with each other, this is to help ensure you are comfortable with your activity partner.
If you already know the person you want to buddy with—perhaps they’re a friend or family member, you will also need to register with TOL2 but you won’t have to pair up on the site.
Stoke Mandeville Stadium Membership
You will need to book in a visit to Stoke Mandeville Stadium to get your membership. When you come in we will:
· sign you up to your membership
· register you with TOL2 if you have not already done this online
· have a chat about the scheme and answer any questions you have
· take a tour of the site
· have a short induction to the gym, so you can use it safely
This will take about an hour. You can bring someone with you if you need. If you already know each other, and intend to buddy up, you can even sign up at the same time—please allow additional time for this.
Call on 01296 484848 or email leisure.smstadium@serco.com to arrange your membership sign up.
Frequently Asked Questions
When you come in you will have a gym induction, so please wear something comfortable and suitable footwear as we may show you how to use certain pieces of equipment.
