May 2025 • Vision RCL

Month: May 2025

Vision Redbridge is entering into a new chapter – one rooted in wellbeing, connection, and community. With a vibrant rebrand, a bold digital transformation, and a renewed focus on sustainability, Vision is embracing its role as a modern, inclusive wellness organisation, committed to creating spaces where individuals and communities can truly thrive.

A New Look for a New Era

After months of thoughtful work behind the scenes, we are proud to unveil a fresh, uplifting brand identity that reflects the heart of who we are – Redbridge’s local wellness partner.
Our services are as diverse as the communities we serve – from leisure centres, libraries, and theatres to parks, music, culture, and venues. Now, our new brand brings this all together, with a dynamic family of logos, a vibrant colour palette, and updated typography. The new look is modern, welcoming and full of energy – just like Vision.

Vision Family of logos


Wellness, Reimagined

At the heart of our transformation are our newly introduced Wellness Pillars:
Connection, Movement, Mindfulness, Creativity, and Learning.

These five pillars represent the essence of what we offer and the outcomes we strive for – supporting mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing through accessible, meaningful experiences for all.
To bring this new vision to life, we’re rolling out a refreshed suite of marketing materials across the borough – from eye-catching posters and vibrant banners to engaging social media content – creating moments of inspiration wherever you encounter us. We want the community we work in to be aware of all opportunities to participate in our wellness activities across the borough.

A Seamless Digital Experience

In today’s world, wellness doesn’t stop at the front door – it continues online. That’s why we’re investing in a smarter, more connected digital future.

In partnership with Rewrite Digital, we’re reimagining our entire digital experience — from how you book a class to how you discover a local event or activity. Our new digital strategy is focused on simplicity, accessibility, and human-centred design, making it easier than ever to engage with us.


Website Redevelopment Underway

As part of this transformation, we’re also re-developing the Vision website in collaboration with Big Wave, our digital design partners. Set to launch in September 2025, the new site will be more intuitive, with enhanced performance, and updated content aligned with our new digital strategy, reflective of our refreshed brand and wellness mission.

Whether you’re booking a swim, exploring creative workshops, or learning something new, our new website will serve as your go-to hub for everything Vision – all in one seamless, easy-to-navigate place. We want you to be able to easily find the information you’re seeking, and to discover new activities and opportunities on your doorstep.

A Greener, More Responsible Future

Wellness is not only about people – it’s about the world we share.
Vision is actively working to reduce our environmental impact and support a healthier, more sustainable future for Redbridge and beyond. Through our Sustainability Strategy, we are taking action to:

  • Integrate sustainability into every level of decision-making
  • Reduce energy consumption and our overall carbon footprint
  • Minimise waste and promote recycling, reuse, and resource conservation
  • Protect and enhance local biodiversity and green spaces
  • Ensure our spaces are inclusive and accessible for all

By placing environmental wellbeing at the core of our work, we’re building a legacy for generations to come.

Chair of Vision Trustees, Martin Solder said:
“Vision Redbridge is reinforcing its mission to enrich lives, empower communities, and inspire a healthier, more sustainable Redbridge.

Our new look is more than a rebrand – it’s a reflection of who we are today. We’re here to inspire wellness, creativity, and community, and our new brand tells that story in a clearer, more connected way.
Our digital transformation isn’t just about technology – it’s about people. We’re making it easier for everyone to engage with Vision, both online and in person, in ways that are accessible, enjoyable, and meaningful in order to lead happy, healthy and fulfilled lives”

More updates will be coming soon, watch out for marketing material across Redbridge.

This year, Redbridge in Bloom is more than a celebration of colour – it’s a call to action for our environment. As the borough marks its 60th anniversary, the theme ‘60 Years of Redbridge: Growing Together for Nature’ highlights the powerful role gardening can play in restoring biodiversity, strengthening communities, and supporting our shared future.

The competition, rooted in civic pride and community spirit, aligns with the Redbridge Restore Nature Pledge, encouraging residents to think beyond beauty and dig into sustainability. Whether it’s a window box, community plot, or school garden, the emphasis this year is on planet-friendly gardening – an approach that nurtures both people and the planet.

Led by Vision, Redbridge in Bloom is not just about planting – it’s about learning. Through free volunteering sessions and workshops, residents are discovering practical ways to reduce their environmental footprint. From ditching peat-based compost and conserving water, to growing for pollinators and cutting down flood-prone hard surfaces, participants are gaining the skills and knowledge to garden with impact.

But it’s also about wellbeing. Community gardening is proven to reduce loneliness, improve mental health, and increase physical activity. In a time of climate anxiety, Redbridge in Bloom offers a hopeful, hands-on way to make a difference – together.

As we celebrate 60 years of Redbridge, this year’s competition reminds us: the most vibrant gardens are the ones that grow connections, resilience, and respect for nature.

Let’s get Seriously Social about the Environment – one garden, one neighbour, one action at a time.

To find out more or to enter visit our dedicated Redbridge in Bloom webpage.

We are delighted to announce the Redbridge Outdoor Arts 2025 programme which takes place in Barkingside and Ilford over the summer and early Autumn months.  

This year we’re celebrating our communities through Disabled-led work, South Asian Heritage, inspiring our Young People and taking part in Black History Month.  

The shows that we have selected align with our values, which are: 

  • We CONNECT the people of Redbridge 
  • We’re INCLUSIVE in our accessibility, removing barriers to participation
  • We bring collective JOY and make an IMPACT with our ambitious programming. 

How do we achieve this? Starting with our season launch show of ‘Now I am become d/Deaf’ from disabled-led circus company Tit for Tat Circus, on Saturday 21 June and Sunday 22 June. 

It’s a visual spectacle of physical comedy that addresses hearing loss, tears down barriers, celebrates silence and laughs into the face of frustration – in an effort for one clown to simply say “hello!” 

This slapstick circus performance is non-verbal, as is our July show for South Asian Heritage Month, Animal Paradise by Sonia Sabri Company on Saturday 26 July and Sunday 27 July. 

A visual delight, Animal Paradise is a vibrant outdoor performance for all the family, which celebrates and takes inspiration from the exquisite traditional art of Indian and Persian miniature painting. 

The September and October performances of Closer To My Dreams by Chad Taylor and PATOIS by Jeanefer Jean-Charles & Associates will be BSL interpreted. Many of our artists provide Audio Descriptions and Touch Tours to add to the experience for Blind audiences.  

We want everyone to feel welcome and enjoy our events. We collaborate with artists and local specialist organisations to provide pre-show relaxed tours to enable familiarisation for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), as well as neurodiverse adults.  

Our performance spaces are wheelchair accessible, and Assistance Dogs are welcome. We reserve priority viewing areas, where our friendly festival stewards are on hand to assist and provide additional seating. At our Barkingside location we provide an outdoor respite pod for children who may need it, and inside Fullwell Cross Library there’s specialist sensory equipment. We offer Easy-Read documents for all shows and distribute them ahead of time for those that may want or need to know what will be happening at the events! Thanks to forging good relationships with local disabled people’s organisations and groups, we are proud to have started an inclusive volunteering opportunity for local adults with learning difficulties and disabilities.  

To find out more about us and read our accessibility and Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Pledges, head over to Redbridge Outdoor Arts • Vision RCL  

Vision is committed to empowering the Redbridge community not just through leisure and culture, but also by offering paths to employment, skills development, and volunteering.



Volunteering

Volunteering with Vision RCL is a great way to develop key employment skills while making a difference in your community and giving back. Whether you’re interested in working in a historic house, maintaining beautiful parks, supporting the local library, or contributing to cultural events, there are a wide range of roles that offer hands-on experience while getting the chance to connect with new people, opportunities to develop your skills and support and training catered to each role.

Facilities where volunteers can make an impact include parks, local Redbridge libraries, our Theatre facilities (Kenneth More Theatre and Redbridge Drama Centre), Valentines Mansion, and with our Health and Wellbeing team, you could even help deliver engaging outdoor arts events with Vision’s Culture team.

All that’s needed is enthusiasm and a willingness to help. You choose how much time you give, and Vision will provide the training and support to help you succeed.

Apprenticeships

Vision RCL’s apprenticeship programme offers a structured, practical route to employment in the leisure and cultural sectors. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to develop in your current role, Vision apprenticeships provide real experience across our services, mentorship and support from experienced colleagues as well as work based training and professional development. Vison provides accredited qualifications through Lifetime Training, a national award winning provider.

Apprenticeships are open across Vision’s diverse services, supporting individuals to grow their careers while contributing to services that help the local community thrive.

A great example of the opportunities available are our sports apprenticeships and courses; If you’re looking for something more sports based, particularly in the summer, our aquatic Opportunities include becoming a qualified swimming teacher or the National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ) at Fullwell Cross Leisure Centre to gain hands-on coaching and aquatic experience.

Vision is a place to grow

At Vision, people are at the heart of what we do. We believe in helping communities and staff to grow, achieve, and thrive.

Whether you’re gaining experience through volunteering or starting your professional journey through an apprenticeship or even jump into a new career with the many options we have available, we’re here to support the community every step of the way.

Interested in building your future with Vision RCL? We have lots of helpful links so you can take a look for more information and get involved:

Tech Ilford 2025 is back on Saturday 14 June and this time, it’s Seriously Social. We’re putting people and skills at the centre of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths), inviting the whole community to come together for a hands-on celebration of creativity, learning and connection.

Taking place across Redbridge Central Library, SPACE Ilford gallery, and Ilford High Street, this one-day festival is packed with free, interactive experiences designed to spark imagination and build confidence in digital and creative skills. Whether you’re a young inventor, a curious parent, or just love trying something new, Tech Ilford has something for you.

Expect everything from virtual reality painting and 3D printing pens to geometric drawing and green screen magic. Try your hand at creating on a tactile Braille wall or dive into workshops that blend art and tech in exciting, accessible ways.

The fun starts before the big day too – with pop-up workshops at local libraries across the borough, helping more people connect, collaborate, and get creative in their own communities.

All activities are free allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, unless otherwise stated, running from 11am to 3pm, made possible by support from Arts Council England.

Join us, and get Seriously Social about skills, curiosity, and the power of community-led creativity, find out more here about Tech Ilford here.

On Tuesday 11 March, the world-renowned Royal Albert Hall was alive with the sounds of over 2,000 performers as the 25th Redbridge Choral Festival took centre stage in a grand celebration of music, talent, and community. This landmark event, which has been a cherished tradition since its inception in 1976, not only showcased the extraordinary musical abilities of local performers but also celebrated the historic 60th anniversary of the London Borough of Redbridge.

The Redbridge Choral Festival has provided a platform for aspiring musicians to perform in one of the most iconic venues in the world, the Royal Albert Hall. This years event paid tribute to generations of musicians, educators, and supporters who have shaped Redbridge’s musical landscape over the years. It was a great celebration of the borough’s rich cultural heritage and the thriving artistic community that continues to grow.

The Redbridge Choral Festival continues to highlight the close collaboration between two of Vision’s services: Redbridge Drama Centre and Redbridge Music Service. Both services have been central to nurturing local talent and providing creative opportunities for individuals interested in the arts. They offer mentorship, advice, and workshops to help future stars hone their skills and reach their full potential.
Redbridge Music Service has been instrumental in developing musical talent for many years, offering a wide range of classes for all ages; from early music education to more advanced workshops. The Redbridge Drama Centre team, has produced performances and supported performing arts initiatives also for a number of years, making a lasting impact on the cultural fabric of the borough and allowing local talent to shine on stage.

This year’s Redbridge Choral Festival, with its huge audience and breath-taking performances, showcased the vibrant talent that the borough has to offer. The event continued to showcase the efforts to engage young people and encourage them to pursue the arts. Vision’s commitment to fostering artistic growth and community engagement was clear throughout the event.

Our services and their key roles in the community

Both the Redbridge Drama Centre and Redbridge Music Service play key roles in keeping the arts alive across generations, ensuring that young performers continue to find creative outlets and opportunities to showcase their skills. The Redbridge Choral Festival is just one example of how these services work together to bring people together through music, performance, and celebration.

As the community continues to embrace and celebrate the talents of its youth, Vision remains committed to offering further opportunities for skill development and personal growth. With the success of this year’s festival, the future of Redbridge’s artistic scene looks bright, and Vision will continue to support these emerging artists, ensuring the arts remain a pillar of community life in the future.

Find out more about Redbridge Drama Centre

Find out more about Redbridge Music Service

Redbridge Gears Up for Mental Health Awareness with a Celebration of Community and Wellbeing

This Mental Health Awareness Week, taking place from 12 to 18 May, Redbridge is embracing the powerful theme of ‘community’ – a celebration of the connections, support, and sense of belonging that are vital to our wellbeing.

Vision Redbridge Culture & Leisure, in partnership with Redbridge Institute, is offering a variety of free taster sessions aimed at boosting both mental and physical health, where cost isn’t a barrier to try something new or reconnect with an old interest. Activities kicked off yesterday with Keep Fit, Zumba, Row Fitness, and Swimming – and there’s much more to come! Residents can try everything from yoga, pilates, and forest bathing to Reiki meditation and even BMX biking.

Over the last three years Active Body Healthy Mind project has successfully offered free wellbeing activities to adults in Redbridge through Vision services and community organisations. Through a combination of exercise, wellbeing and empowerment, Active Body, Healthy Mind has successfully inspired individuals to take charge of their physical and mental well-being, fostering a healthier and more connected community.

Over the last three years:

  • Over 1,100 unique participants attended free activities
  • 80% of attendees rated the sessions as ‘very good’ or ‘excellent’.
  • 88% of attendees would recommend an Active Body Healthy Mind session to their friend or family member
  • 82% from minority ethnic backgrounds

Also throughout May, residents can take part in a diverse programme of free, inclusive activities at Vision Libraries designed to bring people together, spark meaningful conversations, and promote health and wellbeing in creative and supportive ways. From thought-provoking talks and author events to uplifting comedy performances and artistic workshops, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Mental Health Awareness Week in Redbridge is more than just a calendar of events – it’s a community-wide invitation to pause, connect, and care for ourselves, and one another. Whether you’re looking to reflect, move, laugh, or create, everyone is welcome.

Let’s come together to celebrate, connect, and strengthen the ties that help us all thrive.

For the full programme of events visit our dedicated Mental Health Awareness page.

How Dance Is Moving Redbridge Towards a Healthier, Happier Community


Dance isn’t just for the stage – it’s for everyone. That’s the message behind the Colours of Redbridge Dance for Fitness programme, a transformative 12-week initiative that brought movement, joy, and connection to hundreds of residents across the borough.

Run in partnership with world-renowned dance company Rambert, the programme proved that dance can, do more than entertain – it can improve both physical and mental wellbeing. Weekly classes welcomed people of all abilities, with a particular focus on older adults and individuals with disabilities, offering a safe and inspiring space to get moving, connect with others, and have fun.

Participants didn’t just learn new steps – they built strength, confidence, and felt part of a community, experiencing different dance styles from Indian dance and 70s disco to Caribbean rhythms and popping and locking. Many reported feeling healthier, more confident, and more energised, with an average 17% improvement in overall wellbeing during the course.

The programme gained national attention too, with special visits from Angela Rippon MBE, Wes Streeting MP, and Strictly Come Dancing’s Kai Widdrington, highlighting how dance can play a powerful role in community health.

Following its success, Colours of Redbridge is proud to support the Let’s Dance campaign and has announced an ongoing partnership with Rambert, with new sessions returning to Redbridge in September 2025. Sign up to Colours of Redbridge eNewsletter to ensure you are the first to know when the next programme is available.

Because when we move together, we thrive together.
Let’s get Seriously Social about Health and Wellbeing – one step at a time.

Wes Streeting MP for Ilford North said: “As we all know, prevention is better than a cure, and dance can be an amazing way to stay fit. So, I want to see Redbridge and Britain get moving, keeping healthy through dance and keeping out of hospital, which is better for patients, our NHS and taxpayers. Projects like Dance for Fitness and Let’s Dance can be key parts of making that positive change in people’s lives to build strength through something fun. It’s so exciting to have Angela Rippon inspiring my local community and getting Britain dancing!”

Angela Rippon MBE and Let’s Dance founder said: “Dance is the perfect exercise to improve the health and wellbeing of mind and body, regardless of age or physical condition, and a great way to meet new people and beat isolation and loneliness.”

Pete Nichols, Colours of Redbridge Programme Director said: “We’re so proud of the Dance for Fitness programme in Redbridge as it is something that local community members have helped us to design and deliver. We are delighted to meet with Angela, Kai and Wes today to support the Let’s Dance campaign and show the power that dancing has had on our community.”

Roopal Mehta, Colours of Redbridge Community Producer said: “This is such a good way of getting everyone together. There aren’t many opportunities for disabled people to get involved in this kind of dance, so making it accessible really made a difference to me. Dancing is great exercise – you can enjoy yourself and get fit at the same time.”

Vision Redbridge Culture & Leisure (Vision), a proud charitable trust and member of the national network Community Leisure UK (CLUK), is reaffirming its commitment to people over profit as we celebrate
Seriously Social Week from 12 to 16 May.

As one of the most diverse organisations within the CLUK network, Vision manages a wide array of services, including:

  • Theatre, Drama, Music, Arts & Cultural Events
  • Libraries and Digital Innovation (e.g., LAB FX at Fullwell Cross Library)
  • Parks, Open Spaces, and Allotments
  • Leisure Centres and Health & Wellbeing Programmes
  • Food & Beverage Services and Venue Management
  • Community Projects and Grounds Maintenance

As a key player in Redbridge’s social economy, Vision RCL champions the belief that access to leisure, culture, and wellbeing services should be inclusive, accessible, and community-focussed. From parks and libraries to theatres, gyms, and events, Vision connects people of all ages and abilities, fostering healthier, happier, and more creative communities.

Chair of Vision Trustees, Martin Solder said:
Vision is more than just a service provider – we’re a vital part of the Redbridge community. Everything we do is driven by social purpose, with all surpluses are reinvested to create opportunities for people to connect, create, learn, relax, and stay active. Whether it’s supporting mental wellbeing through fitness, inspiring creativity through the arts, or developing welcoming green spaces, our priority is always the people of Redbridge. We’re proud to showcase our fantastic facilities and events to residents and new visitors alike.

Throughout Seriously Social Week, Vision will spotlight impactful projects across five core themes:

  • Health & Wellbeing: Mental Health Awareness and Dance for Fitness
  • Community: Redbridge Choral Festival
  • Inclusion: Redbridge Outdoor Arts
  • Skills & Employment: Tech Ilford
  • Environment: Redbridge in Bloom gardening competition

Vision RCL continues to prove that being “seriously social” is more than a motto – it’s a mission.

To find out more about visit the Seriously Social website.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day – a historic moment when the Second World War came to an end in Europe. On 8 May 1945, the long-awaited announcement sparked celebrations across the country, with street parties, dancing and singing as communities came together to mark peace.

To commemorate this milestone, a special VE Day service was held at Fairlop Waters on Thursday 8 May, in partnership with Vision, Redbridge Council, and the Fairlop Heritage Group. The event brought together school children, community groups, and local dignitaries to honour the values of service and selflessness that defined the Allied victory.

Cllr Kam Rai, Leader of Redbridge Council; The Rt. Hon. Wes Streeting MP, MP for Ilford North and Honourable Patron of the Fairlop Heritage Group; and Cllr Sheila Bain, Mayor of Redbridge, all gave heartfelt speeches and laid wreaths to pay tribute to those who served. David Martin, Chair of the Fairlop Heritage Group, delivered a moving presentation on the history and significance of Fairlop’s wartime contribution.

Guests were also treated to performances by Redbridge Music and Redbridge Drama Centre, which were enjoyed by all in attendance, including pupils from local schools.

The Fairlop Heritage Group, dedicated to preserving the history of Fairlop and the surrounding area, has played a crucial role in establishing the memorial at Fairlop Waters. This memorial honours those who served at the Fairlop and Hainault airfields during both World Wars. Vision will be working closely with the Group in the coming months to launch a new leaflet and video, helping share this important heritage with the wider Redbridge community.

As part of the event, the Redbridge People’s Plaque Scheme was also officially launched. Inspired by the English Heritage Blue Plaque initiative, the first plaque was unveiled at Fairlop Waters, recognising the site’s vital role as an airfield during both the First and Second World Wars. More information on the scheme, including how to nominate a future plaque, will be available on the Redbridge Council website soon.

In addition, Redbridge Museum has released a commemorative film exploring life in the boroughs of Ilford and Wanstead & Woodford during the Second World War. The film offers a poignant look at local experiences of the war and is available to view here.

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