EyUp! awarded the Barnsley physical health and wellbeing team funding for open water swimming sessions supported by lifeguards at the Manvers Lake Boat House.
Over the course of eight weeks, 15 people stepped out of their comfort zone and joined the group to build their confidence in swimming 400m around the lake.
Open water swimming is not just an immersive experience but is known to have many benefits for physical and mental health. Swimming regulates weight, body temperature, lowers blood pressure, increases muscle strength whilst also improving mood and cardio vascular wellbeing, making you both healthier and happier.
The sessions have helped build the groups confidence, giving them a sense of encouragement as well as helping on their road to recovery.
The feedback received has been positive with one of the service users commenting “I’ve seen a noticeable improvement in my self-esteem and confidence, it’s also helped with my mood. The experience has been positive, encouraging, and motivational. I would like to further challenge myself and do windsurfing.”
Other service users have said
“Before joining the swimming group, I could barely swim one length of a pool, after eight weeks I am swimming 400 metres.
“I have had two knee replacements, and this has helped my recovery. This group has helped me immensely with my anxiety and depression, I feel stronger, fitter and calmer. The feeling of achievement and everyone in the group is amazing.”
“I have enjoyed it and my wellbeing and confidence have really grown. The swimming group are wonderfully supportive and very friendly and the Barnsley Recovery College team are brilliant. I will recommend this course to anyone.”
“I lost all my confidence swimming after having bowel cancer, this course has given me the confidence to swim again and will be joining the group each week to swim going forward.”
“After being totally petrified of water, the group encouraged me to take part in last year’s course, but anxiety just wouldn’t let me.
“This year I signed up with the encouragement of a few others in the group. During the first session I couldn’t get passed the first buoy, fast forward to week eight and I’ve swam the 400m lap.
“I am massively proud of myself. I never ever thought I’d get back in the water but this opportunity from EyUp! has really helped me. I’m going to join as a member and continue coming with the group each week. It’s been epic and I can’t wait to continue.”
Read more about how EyUp! is making a difference – EyUp Charity! Health & Happiness for Yorkshire folk
