Free use of Link4Life Leisure Centres for Armed Forces Personnel
Link4Life is to continue to offer serving armed forces personnel free use of its fitness facilities and swimming pools. Thanks to the success of the pilot scheme, Link4Life's board of trustees has decided to extend this offer to include Veterans in the community who are out of work.
Who is this for?
All Regular and Reservist serving personnel and unemployed Veterans (Proof of receipt of unemployment benefit required) from the British Army, Royal Air Force and Royal Navy.
You do not need to live in the borough of Rochdale to take advantage of this scheme.
Collecting a war pension?
Some war pensioners may be eligible for the scheme. To find out if you are please contact Chris Coleman via e-mail to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or phone on 01706 926246.
What activities are available?
Click on the links for more information about the centre and session times.
Free swimming during public swimming sessions (including lane swimming sessions) at the following centres.
- Rochdale Leisure Centre
- Heywood Sports Village
- Middleton Arena
- Castleton Pool
Link to Swimming Timetables.
Free use of the fitness suites at the following centres:
- Rochdale Leisure Centre
- Heywood Sports Village
- Middleton Arena
- Littleborough Sports Centre
- Bowlee Park Sports Centre
Are there any limits on when they can be used?
The fitness suites can be used at any time – if they are open they can be used.
Refer to the pool timetables for details of public swimming sessions.
What do I have to do?
It's easy. Just turn up at the centre and show your Forces ID card to Reception.
If your ID card doesn't have a photo of you then please bring something like your driving licence as well.
The first time you come you will be asked to fill in a Registration Card.
This will also include a Health Commitment Statement which you will be asked to sign.
Armed Forces User Form or 
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Your Forces ID Card, and if necessary Photo ID, needs to be shown at Reception every time you visit – that's all you have to do.
Why do you need the information on the Registration Card?
The information you give us will help us to determine the success of the scheme and how it can be improved. This information will be a summary only and will not contain information about any named individuals.
It will also help us to contact you if we have to – but this will only be with your permission.
All of the information you give us is confidential and for Link4Life use only. We will never pass on this information to anyone else and it will be held securely in accordance with Data Protection regulations.
Any further questions?
If you have any questions then you can email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and we will respond as soon as possible.
If you are visiting any of the centres then also ask to speak to the Duty Manager and they will do their best to help you there and then – or get back to you.
Useful links
For further information about Armed or Ex Armed Forces and their families visit the Rochdale Borough Council website.
Link to Transport for Greater Manchester website.
