From Active Thames Grants, Writtle University College have been able to offer sessions on their on-site reservoir to local residents to come experience activities on the water! The benefits of spending time on the water and being surrounded by nature can be reduced stress and anxiety as well as creating a sense of calm that can’t be experienced in a normal environment.
The sessions on the reservoir have been extended to the staff, local over 50’s and a SEND school. The range of ages that have been involved in these sessions start at ages 8 and reaches to 73! This demonstrates how inclusive water activities can be and how the benefits can be experienced by those of any age. Getting active and enjoying moving doesn’t have an age limit!
The over 50’s sessions offered new opportunities to locals, and they were also offered repeat sessions which they were reported back had 100% interest, everyone wanted to come back for more time on the reservoir. They were given an hours’ worth of activity on the water and were able to socialise with other like-minded people who were interested in trying something new and spending more time surrounded by nature.
One of the participants from the over 50’s group said;
“Just being out on the water in nature – so good for mental health. Also enjoyed being with a group of like-minded people and not feeling worried or embarrassed, everyone was very supportive of each other. Loved having a little swim too on the last sessions! Instructor was great, really easy to chat to and encouraging without being patronising.”
40 children from a local SEN school were also offered a session and this was an amazing opportunity for these children, most of whom had never even paddled in water before! They all took part in a group picnic after which meant additional time spent near the reservoir, in nature. The sessions were adapted so the children had the chance to experience different sensory sessions.
The Writtle University College plan to expand the reservoirs accessibility so that wheelchair users can also access the banks and there will be sensory spots where people can watch the sessions on the water and experience the nature around them. The sessions are observant of the nesting periods of the resident birds in the reservoir ensuring that they are not scared or leave the area.
These sessions and the fact over 100 people have been engaged ensure that people have the opportunity to experience water activities and the relaxing atmosphere of the reservoir. The physical and mental benefits from getting active in nature and near water are important for looking after the locals wellbeing and providing a new way to move.
