Accessibility in our centres

Using our centres with a disability

Please find below information on the activities and facilities in place at our centres for people with a disability.

Ards Blair Mayne Wellbeing and Leisure Complex

The following is available:
Pan Disability Swimming	For children with a disability aged 5 to 15 years. Click here for information.
Autism Friendly Evening	On Friday evenings from 6.30pm all music within the complex and announcements are silenced.
Gym	Provides a variety of accessible equipment: Cardiovascular IFI (Inclusive Fitness Initiative) equipment includes: 4 Treadmills, 2 Recumbent Bikes, 2 Upright Bikes and a Hand Bike. Resistance equipment includes: 3 pin loaded machines, suitable for wheelchair users, a chest press, seated row and shoulder press and a full range of adjustable pulley machines.
Classes	Classes suitable for those with mobility issues include: Armchair Yoga, Chair Fit, Tai Chi and Water Aerobics
Swimming	The Main and Minor pools have modern deck level platforms, accessible changing cubicles and a Changing Places room.
Toilets and Changing	Accessible toilets and changing facilities are available throughout the building in all areas. A Changing Places room is available in the Aqua Changing area.
SignVideo	SignVideo is available at the complex. Click here for details.
Pagers	Pagers are available from reception for deaf or hard of hearing customers using the complex. The pager is linked to our centre’s fire emergency system and will vibrate if an announcement is made. If you require a pager, please ask for one at reception.
Lift	Lifts are available to the first and second floors.
Automatic Doors	Automatic entrance doors and touch plate doors on all doors.
Signage	Braille signage throughout the building.
Parking	Blue Badge parking spaces as close as possible to public entrances and low level kerbs in the car park.
Play Park	The adjacent Play Park has an accessible swing and Sensory Garden. The key for the swing is available from reception.

Comber Leisure Centre

The following is available:
Gym	A Hand Bike and a range of equipment that can be adapted to suit the user.
Classes	Classes suitable for those with mobility issues include: Chair Aerobics and Chi Me
Toilets and Changing	Accessible toilets and changing facilities are available in the changing areas at the front and back of the building.
Lift	A lifts is available to the first floor.
Doors and entrance	All internal doors are manual opening, only the main entrance has automatic doors.
Signage	Braille signage throughout the building.
Parking	Blue Badge parking spaces as close as possible to public entrances and low level kerbs in the car park.

Portaferry Sports Centre

Portaferry is a small centre with a gym, exercise classes, sports hall, toilet and changing facilities all on the ground floor.

Two blue badge spaces.
One disabled toilet.
Accessible showers available in both the male and female changing areas. The showers are without any handles or seats, but provide a large shower space and emergency cord.
All internal doors are manual opening, only the main entrance has automatic doors.
The Gym has adjustable fixed weight resistance machines that are wheelchair accessible, other equipment is available that can be easily adapted for users.

Membership

People with a disability are eligible for concession membership for our Aqua, Spa and Fitness memberships or a resident card.

Please refer to our membership page for full details and prices.

Proof of disability must be provided at the time of application. We accept proof issued within the last 3 to 6 months, showing the receipt of one of the following:

Disability Living Allowance (DLA) – Highest or Middle rate
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) – Enhanced or Standard Rate
Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
Universal Credit
Income Support
Blue Badge holder

Documentation must clearly show the applicants name and address, receipt of current payments and an expiry date. Where an expiry date is not provided, proof must be resubmitted every 6 months.

BuddyCard Scheme for carers

Ards and North Down Borough Council runs the BuddyCard scheme to help those with a disability use our centres.

A Service User with a disability who requires a carer to help them to use the centre facilities, can Apply for a BuddyCard.

The card will be issued to the Service User who must present it at reception for their carer to accompany them free of charge and to log the carer's attendance.

Carers must stay with their Service User(s) throughout the duration of a visit and should not leave their Service User(s) unattended.

Carers may accompany the BuddyCard holder/service user but not use:

the gyms
swimming pools - the carer is permitted to enter the water to assist, remaining with the Service User at all times
fitness classes
Spa at Ards and Health Suite at Comber, remaining with the Service User at all times

Carers wishing to take part in any of the above activities must purchase a ticket for which the concession rate will apply.

Our Website Accessibility

View information on our Website Accessibility.