Clare Bryan is Lead Development Worker with Better Together, a collaboration project between us, Abbey Access and Green Synergy. The aim of the project is to support people to overcome barriers, regain their wellbeing and move forward in their lives.

Here Clare talks about the latest activity that the project offers;

I love to swim – my grandma was swimming into her late 90s so it must be in the genes. I love gliding through a sparkling pool wearing my swimming fins it feels close to feeling like a mermaid. I’ve also used swimming to heal myself and get me through periods of grief and loss. There is rhythm in smashing out the lengths, you flow, your mind at rest, calm, relaxed, un-distracted.

The idea to set up a swimming group came to me one Saturday when I saw two men come pool side. One of them was in a wheelchair and his mate gently lifted him into the water which supported his paralysed body to float and swim freely. It reminded me of all the conversations I was having with people who said they would love to exercise but they couldn’t walk far, their body ached, and I knew that being in warm water would be healing and soothing and would help them to get back some strength and flexibility.

Since October last year along with Jan Robinson, another keen swimmer and mental health professional we have been taking a group of people to Yarborough pool on Thursdays. Not quite the warm water I imagined but the sauna and steam room make up for that. We negotiated a charity discount price so its accessible for everyone, and we help with transport to get people there. Since we started 25 people have tried swimming.

We have been open air swimming at Woodhall Spa and more recently over the summer, when our usual slot has been hijacked by the family fun holiday timetable, we have hired a private pool near Market Rasen which is quieter, cheaper and much less noisy and chaotic for our swimmers.

Most people will tell us they used to love swimming at school but have not done it for ages, -“I’m too fat now, too body conscious to get into a costume”, “I can’t motivate myself to go on my own”. So when they have been brave enough to try they have come back for more because it simply feels good and “having other people to go with is motivating “. “Of all the things I can do this is my favourite there is nothing like lying in a pool and floating.” “I couldn’t swim a length before I stated now I can and I feel a sense of achievement.” “It really is physically and mentally good for me.”

Since taking up swimming some people have joined the gym through One You Lincolnshire scheme. We have seen people improve their swimming skills and their friendship circle.

If you would like to join us or know someone who would please contact Clare Bryan at developmentplus:

T: 07958050898

E: Clare.bryan@developmentplus.org.uk