Creating Stronger and Safer Communities

GLL get active in creating choice and opportunities online to young people in Camden and Tower Hamlets

The COO-L project is all about creating choice and opportunities for young people online, and this is exactly what has happened in the London Boroughs of Camden and Tower Hamlets.

This 12 month pilot project, funded by the DCSF (Department of Children, Schools and Families), enabled an under represented group in the community to positively engage in leisure activities.  Specifically targeting students in Years 9-12 receiving free school meals, these young people received £40 of virtual money each month which they could spend online on different leisure activities.

GLL were one of the many providers to this scheme, offering Active and Wellness memberships.

Increasing participation

These memberships enabled young people to take control of their physical activity uptake, and gave them the opportunity to build physical activity into their everyday life around school and other commitments.  This empowerment was key and directly linked to the ethos of the COO-L (choice and opportunities online) programme. 

1,250 young people involved

Over the course of 12 months GLL had over 1,250 young people within the two boroughs accessing swimming, gym and group exercise at the leisure centres.

What a COO-L member says

"This membership has enabled me to access the gym when I want; it has also emphasised my desire to work within the leisure industry."

Continuation post the pilot programme

Following its success the London Borough of Camden has funded a second project designed for Year 9 students only which will run for a further 2 years.

Across Tower Hamlets, the COO-L members were all sent communications regarding leisure centre memberships and other activity options, many of the young people converted onto membership packages to continue with their physical activity programmes. 

COO-L has increased knowledge and the positive impact physical activity can have on individual's lives.  GLL is eager to ensure this cohort of young people continue with physical activity throughout their life cycle, and promote its benefits to friends and family.