One year ago, Be Well, Tower Hamlets Council’s leisure service, opened its doors with the aim to make health and wellbeing more accessible, affordable, and community-driven for residents across the borough.
The service launched in May 2024 following the end of the council’s contract with GLL (Better), with the goal of supporting holistic health and wellbeing, increasing participation in physical activity, and creating inclusive environments for all – placing a particular focus on improving access for women and girls, older adults, and residents at risk of, or living with, long-term conditions.
Over the past 12 months, Be Well has delivered a range of health and wellbeing services, with thousands of residents engaging in activities across its leisure centres.
Community participation
In its first year, Be Well achieved:
- 37,277 memberships taken up with Be Well, with a gender split of 18% male and 82% female
- 485,379 visits were recorded across Be Well leisure centres (excluding users of outdoor spaces)
- 57,396 classes were booked by local residents and members
- 3,019 people are taking swimming lessons with Be Well Swim Well
- 12 community events were delivered to support inclusion and engagement
- 158 birthday parties were hosted across centres
- 19,150 free swimming memberships taken up with women and girls ages 16 and over and men aged 55 and above across the borough, helping to remove barriers to accessing physical activity
- The introduction of swimming buddies at selected centres to improve swimming technique for women and girls, with the option of taking up free swimming lessons
- A complete refurbishment of the spa at York Hall, newly rebranded Be Well The Spa, to elevate wellbeing experiences
- Over 150 local residents trained and qualified as lifeguards through the National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ)
- Upgrades to outdoor pitches at Mile End, with work beginning in June 2025
- Improvements across centres including reconfigured women-only gyms at Poplar and Mile End, enhanced health suites at Whitechapel and Mile End, upgrades to changing village at Mile End and water inflatables across centres with a pool.
- Ongoing offers and prizes – including monthly discounts and offers at Be Well The Spa and the chance to win the first-ever Be Well membership card 001, which comes with a full year of free membership.
Looking ahead
Building on this foundation, Be Well is preparing for another year of investment and impact, including:
- Upgrades to outdoor pitches at Mile End, with work beginning in June 2025.
- Improvements across centres including reconfigured women-only gyms at Poplar and Mile End, enhanced health suites at Whitechapel and Mile End, upgrades to changing village at Mile End and water inflatables across centres with a pool.
- Ongoing offers and prizes – including monthly discounts and offers at Be Well The Spa and the chance to win the first-ever Be Well membership card 001, which comes with a full year of free membership.
Reflecting on the first year, Cllr Mohammed Kamrul Hussain, Cabinet Member for Culture and Recreation, said: “Our first year has been about more than just getting people moving – it’s been about building community, providing opportunity, and listening to what our residents need.
“We’re proud of what we’ve achieved together so far, and we’re committed to continuing this progress by offering high-quality, inclusive services that help everyone in the borough lead healthier, happier lives.”
Be Well will continue evolving in the year ahead, with further improvements to its facilities, programming, and outreach – ensuring even more people can benefit from its growing offer.
Stay up to date by following us on social media and visiting our website: be-well.org.uk
Posted on Monday 2nd June 2025