Second Site in Haringey for Successful Swim Club

A person swimming using floats is assisted by another person

WeSwim, the organisation that provides dedicated activity sessions for adults with disabilities in swimming pools across London, has returned to Tottenham Green Pools & Fitness.

The disability swimming sessions play a huge role in helping the mental and physical wellbeing of attendees. The sessions get some of the least active people in London into water and exercising, something recognised by the National Lottery Community Fund, the largest community funder in the UK, who have awarded WeSwim funding to facilitate the introduction of sessions at a second pool in Haringey.

WeSwim already runs successful sessions in Haringey at Park Road Pools & Fitness and, from March, will be doubling the number of places available to those in need of a safe space to be sociable, build confidence and become more active.

WeSwim has partnered with Fusion Lifestyle, with the support of Haringey Council, to deliver the sessions, led by friendly volunteers, dedicated to creating a sense of community. WeSwim provides an alternative to public pool sessions and swimming clubs, creating a more welcoming, more accessible and more recreational environment for all abilities. A space in which people can use their time in the water as they wish. Improving swimming, working mind and muscles, or simply escaping to welcoming and engaging surroundings. WeSwim are committed to ensuring everyone has the freedom to be active, in a truly inclusive environment.

Tash Fleming, Director at WeSwim, commented: “We are thrilled to be back at Tottenham Green Pools & Fitness and increasing the number of sessions available to Haringey residents. We already have a waiting list which is a clear indicator of the need in the area. We are always looking for new volunteers to help so if you are looking for a rewarding way to give back to your community please do not hesitate to get in touch.”

Mark Stevens, Assistant Director, Direct Services at Haringey Council, said: “It is fantastic to have swimmers back in the pool at Tottenham Green. We know the importance this will bring to our residents, especially those with disabilities who benefit so much from exercising in an aquatic environment. We see this as an important strand for the development of our wellbeing model that will serve all sectors of our community in Haringey.”

Gareth Heard, Sport and Community Development lead at Fusion Lifestyle, added: “We know how these one hour sessions can be transformative for centre users so it’s fantastic to see WeSwim back at Tottenham Green and continuing at Park Road too.”

Helen Bushell, Head of Regional Funding for London, the South East and East of England at The National Lottery Community Fund, said: “Thanks to the hard work and dedication of staff and volunteers at We Swim, and the money raised by National Lottery players, this funding will boost the wellbeing of people with disabilities by creating accessible opportunities to socialise and connect.

“We recently doubled the amount that grassroots groups can apply for through our popular National Lottery Awards for All programme to £20,000. It’s great to see We Swim take advantage of this uplift for the benefit of local people.

“Our ambition is to take an equity-based approach to our work, investing most in places, people and communities experiencing poverty, disadvantage, and discrimination. I’m delighted that our funding is being used to remove barriers which prevent people from connecting with their community, helping them live healthier lives.”

To find out more about WeSwim sessions across London, including at Fusion Lifestyle’s Golden Lane Sports & Fitness Centre at the Barbican, or to enquire about volunteering please visit www.weswim.club

And if this story inspires you to get active visit www.fusion-lifestyle.com/offers/free-pass to claim a free gym or swim visit.

About Fusion
Established in 2000, Fusion Lifestyle is a registered charity created to promote the benefits of healthy lifestyles and encourage participation in sport and physical activity.

Fusion works in partnership with local authorities and other public sector organisations, to deliver choice and value for customers, helping them to live healthier and more active lives.

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