At our 11th Dragon’s Den, the public voted for SWALLOW charity to receive £1,000 to run a number of swimming sessions for their members. Here’s their lovely report:
This project has given our members an opportunity that they otherwise do not tend to do. By going swimming as an organised group, members have been motivated to join in and give it a go, increasing their health and fitness in a new way, whilst having fun together.
Support staff have noted that all of the members had big smiles on their faces throughout the sessions and afterwards too! Some members were nervous about the idea of swimming, even when approaching the pool, but they quickly lost their nerves and some even ventured to the deep end with staff support. The project enabled one member with mobility issues to get some gentle exercise, and she ‘loved every minute of it’. It is clear that this project really helped to raise the confidence of the participants – not only in the pool but also familiarising with the leisure centre and its staff too.
Since the project started, several participants have asked to go swimming with their support staff on their 1:1 sessions as well – one member now goes every week with her support worker. This is hugely beneficial for her overall health and wellbeing. It was a very positive experience for all those that took part, and certainly has left a lasting legacy.