Research from the Activity Alliance estimates that the inequality in activity levels between disabled and non-disabled people equates to a societal cost of at least £10.9 billion per year.
Almost half (49%) of our swimmers do less than 30 minutes of activity per week when they join us, far below the NHS recommendation of 150 minutes of activity. After 6 months this improved to just 19% of swimmers doing less then 30 minutes of activity.
Research shows that for each disabled person who is supported to meet the NHS guidelines of 150 minutes a week this contributes £6,200 a year in societal benefits. This is three to four times the value of non-disabled people becoming active.
49% of our swimmers do less than 30 minutes of activity a week when they join us. This improved to just 19% after 6 months of attending a WeSwim Club.
Through swimming and being active in the water disabled swimmers develop strength, mobility and coordination which help with physicality out of the water too.
91% of our swimmers’s physical fitness has improved (this is even more significant considering some disabled swimmers have degenerative conditions)
Our swimmers build strength, mobility and coordination which help with physicality out of the water too.
The mental health benefits of exercise are well established. With disabled people are twice as likely to be inactive our participants reported significant positive impacts to mood, overall confidence and resilience.
100% improved confidence & happiness
100% feel their confidence has improved
Our volunteers join us to support people into the water and spend their time having a positive impact on someone else's day. They get the benefits of taking part too. Volunteers report:
76% improved mental wellbeing since joining WeSwim
85% feel they have an improved sense of purpose
WeSwim is a community, we have a huge range and diversity of people coming to our clubs, building new connections, and supporting each other to grow. Our clubs grow and support communities in the local area that often feel forgotten and unwelcome.
Both swimmers and volunteers enjoy the social aspect of WeSwim and being able to meet a range of people that you wouldn’t have met otherwise. The social element of WeSwim is critical to this.
100% of our swimmers and 88% of our volunteers feel their connection to their community has improved
