- News Post
Breaking Barriers: FREE Tennis Sessions For People Who Have Experienced Homelessness At Pad Rec
A racket, a court and a welcoming community can make all the difference. Discover how a new weekly tennis program at Paddington Recreation is using sport to break down isolation, boost wellbeing, and rebuild confidence for people who have experienced homelessness.
Every Friday at 1:00 p.m., the connection and recovery.
Launched by Bright Ideas For Tennis and the Single Homeless Project (SHP), this new initiative is proving that a simple rally can help break down walls. Designed specifically for individuals who have experienced homelessness, the project offers a welcoming, stigma free environment to grab a racket, get moving, and just play.
Levelling the playing field
Sport build resilience and confidence, but for those navigating housing insecurity, recreational activities are often completely out of reach.
This project tackles that divide. Participants are connected directly through SHP’s local support hubs to join the FREE Sessions every Friday from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. By removing a the financial and social hurdles, Bright Ideas and SHP are ensuring that movment – and the community that comes with it, belongs to everyone.
More than just play
Play streets help create healthier, happier, and more connected communities by giving children safe spaces to play close to home and encouraging neighbours to spend time together outdoors.
The real win
The true impact goes far beyond perfecting a backhand. Regular physical activity breaks the deep social isolation that can often accompancy homelessness while providing a vital boost to mental health.
For that hour on the court, participants can leave their worries at the gate, focus on the game, and simply have fun.
At ActiveWestminster, we love seeing local spaces used to genuinely uplift our residents. It’s a brilliant reminder that breaking a barrier can be as simple as serving a ball.