inclusive sessions for swimmers with vision impairments at brio

Brio continues to work with regional charity Vision Support to offer dedicated swim sessions for people with vision impairments at Brio Northwich.

The session takes place on Wednesdays between 3pm to 4pm and offers a designated space in the 25m pool where participants can swim in a relaxed and spacious environment. The sessions aim to not only increase access to swimming for users with vision impairments, but help them connect socially and build confidence in a supportive environment.

Peter, a volunteer swim buddy who supports participants during the session said: “The members benefit immensely from the sessions, from physical wellbeing to social interaction and confidence building. It’s wonderful that they have a dedicated space each week to exercise without worry”.

Jean and Tony, are frequent session-goers and are swimming 15 miles and 10 miles respectively in support of the charity this October.

For Tony, these sessions have helped “bring his mojo back” and he has since attended more timetabled swim sessions at Brio. Jean supported this, saying “I certainly love the swimming sessions. I’m 77 years of age, but when I finish swimming, I feel 30!”.

Jean further adds “Brio is my second family, we all have a chat and a laugh, and the receptionists look after my guide dog, Alice. It’s another reason why I come”.

Kerry Goryl, operations director for Brio states: “We are thrilled to continue our collaboration with Vision Support. It’s great that our centres can be used to create inclusive spaces that empower individuals and improve wellbeing”

To anyone living with a vision impairment, Vision Support and Brio encourage you to join in! Peter adds, “We have space for more swimmers, and more lanes can be made available by Brio. We want to bring this out to as many people as possible”.

The sessions are free for Brio members or £6.90 per session for pay as you go customers.

For more information about the session or Vision Support, visit www.visionsupport.org.uk or search ‘Vision Support’ on social media. For session details and updates, search ‘Brio Northwich’ on Facebook or visit www.brioleisure.org

If you are inspired by Jean and Tony’s story and would like to offer a donation, you can do so through their Just Giving page here, https://bit.ly/4qwru0w.