New disability tennis sessions launched in Sevenoaks

A new community tennis group which welcomes people with disabilities has launched in Sevenoaks with a free session for anyone who comes along.

The sessions are being organised through a partnership of disability organisation, the Avenues Trust Group, and The John Heuerman Tennis Academy.

The sessions are open to anyone of any age, disability or playing ability. They start tonight (Wednesday 18 January) from 9pm to 10pm at Sevenoaks Leisure Centre in Buckhurst Lane, Sevenoaks and will then run at the same time every Wednesday. The group is also looking for anyone who wants to get involved as a volunteer.

Martin Chittell, Sports and Active Lifestyles Co-ordinator with Avenues said: "It's great that we've been able to team up with The John Heuerman Tennis Academy to provide these sessions for disabled people.

"Through our Sports and Active Lifestyles project, Avenues is working to enable more disabled people to become more active and to make use of their local sports and leisure facilities. I hope as many people as possible will come along and have a go!"

Jo Powlson from The John Heuerman Tennis Academy said: "Our Tennis Academy prides itself in creating a friendly, welcoming atmosphere for all with no barriers to participation as can often be the case with private tennis clubs.

"Forming a link with Avenues fits perfectly as we want to increase participation in tennis for everyone. We hope offering activities to people with disabilities will be very rewarding both for them and our coaching team."

The Avenues Trust Group is made up of several charitable organisations which provide a unique mix of services to adults and young people with a range of complex needs such as mental health issues, learning disabilities, challenging behaviour, autism, acquired brain injury and dementia.  Avenues provides services in London, Kent, Surrey, and East Anglia.

The John Heuerman Tennis Academy is a community tennis coaching team operating in and around Sevenoaks which offers coaching for all ages and abilities.

For more information or to book a place at the sessions please contact The Tennis Academy on 01959 523377 or Martin Chittell on 020 3535 0547.

In organising the sessions for 9pm in the evenings Avenues is supporting the 'Stay Up Late' campaign which aims to encourage and enable people with learning disabilities to stay up late and take part in evening activities the same as everyone else. For more information go to: www.stayuplate.org