Who would have thought that a winter splash in the sea could work wonders not only for your physical health, but mental and social wellbeing too! Have you considered getting into the water? Come dip your toes in Blue Therapy Active’s story and see how Find Your Active has helped them to benefit more peoples lives through this fantastic project.
Blue Therapy Active started as a twelve-week workshop to share information around safety, protocols, and kit, to ensure time spent in the water was a pleasurable experience for all. Del and Sarah, leaders of Blue Therapy Active soon realised how cold-water therapy benefitted the mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing of residents in Southend.
A key element of the activity is its mindfulness coupled with breath work. As well as being highly experienced in water safety, Del and Sarah are both trained in first aid and mental health. Therefore, they understand the importance of physical activity on mental wellbeing, and how a safe, simple dip in the sea can have such benefits.
Supported by Active Essex, Essex County Council and Southend Borough Council, the group have been able to provide a range of kit for participants to use while attending sessions, including dry robes, thermal line beanies, swim secure tow floats and more. They have provided vital guidance to the participants, such as identifying signs of hypothermia and cold-water shock, and how to cope and deal with it.
Del and Sarah said: “The stories that have been shared with us throughout this journey have been amazing. From a life saved for one lady while out for a swim with a friend, to many others who have improved their mindfulness profoundly. The journey has led to us acquiring new skills to help those within the community who have asked for support, as well as embarking on learning sign language to support several of our new dippers.”
Along the way the group have had more than 150 people form new friendships from all walks of life, creating their own swim bubbles and reducing social isolation. One participant said “I find swimming in the cold sea so good for my mental health – I am literally buzzing and am on such a high for 48 hours after! I have met some of the loveliest people by coming to the workshops and I’m sure these new friendships will last my lifetime.”
If you are wanting to Find Your Active through cold water therapy, then make sure to visit their website to find out more: www.bluetherapyactive.com and search for upcoming events.
