Making waves: Widening access to swimming at Cheltenham Lido

Cheltenham Borough Council’s community investment team have been working hard over the last three years as part of their five-year strategy to support residents and members of the wider community to improve their health and wellbeing at the Cheltenham Lido.

As part of this ambition Cheltenham Borough Council trialled a free, 4-week swimming project in partnership with Cheltenham Lido at Sandford Park given evidence suggesting that swimming is one of the most inclusive and therapeutic sports available that provides a complete body work out.

The project has been a success with over 18 people with physical disabilities, mental health challenges and learning difficulties benefitting from this project. The project has been so successful that it has been extended for an additional two weeks.

61% of all households in the UK social rented sector contain at least one member with a long-term illness or disability and data from Sport England’s Active Lives survey reveals that 39.3% of disabled people are entirely inactive compared to 19.7% of non-adults.

Councillor Izaac Tailford, cabinet member for economic development, wellbeing, culture and public realm, said: “Initiatives like this are vital in creating a more inclusive community where everyone can benefit from activities that enhance both physical and mental health, while also having fun!

“Through these efforts, we aim to build a community where each person feels valued and supported, knowing they have a place where they can thrive. Thank you to everyone involved, including the fabulous team at Cheltenham Lido.”

Clare Davies, community investment officer for Cheltenham Borough Council, said: “It has been such a joy to give participants this experience. One of the beneficiaries has cerebral palsy and is partially sighted and was so excited when he got into the water. He experienced a real sense of freedom and independence.

“Another participant with ME and has really improved their fitness and wellbeing by swimming a number of times a week. Many of the participants have not swum for years and this project has ignited that desire to get back into the water”.

Ian Mason, a local resident from Monkscroft, added: “You just need to see the faces of the people who are involved in the project to see that it has been very successful and an exciting opportunity.

“People who would never normally get this opportunity are getting up early and attending the project every week. A number of the participants have never been to the lido before and we have seen a real change of people’s physical health.”

Cheltenham Lido runs the Sunflower accessibility swim on a Monday morning and people with disabilities can join this group. Julie CEO of the Cheltenham Lido is keen to improve accessibility to the lido and is in the process of applying for funding for a new lift and members of the swimming project with physical disabilities have provided feedback on the equipment needed to achieve this ambition in support of funding applications.

For press enquiries contact: communications team at [email protected] or telephone 01242 264231.

Photo 1 (Left to right): Terry and Jane Chamberlain

Photo 2 (Left to right): Regulars who attend Enrich have been making a splash

Photo 3 (Left to right): Shirley Barrett enjoys the slide at Cheltenham Lido

Photo 4 (Left to right): Harriet Hyde says swimming helps manage her dystonia.

Making waves: Widening access to swimming at Cheltenham Lido

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