A pioneering programme which offers exclusive swimming sessions for people with dementia and their carers is being launched.
SwimShare, funded by the Council’s health improvement team and the Alzheimer’s Society, is designed to improve access to swimming for people with dementia in Cheshire East.
Sessions will run weekly over six weeks, which is hoped will help to reduce anxieties and fears and to increase confidence – making swimming more enjoyable.
The Council has begun accepting customers onto the programme, but is keen to see more people sign up.
Councillor Roland Domleo, Cabinet member with responsibility for adult services, said: “I am delighted that this initiative has come to fruition and I believe it will prove beneficial to all those who take part in it.
“Swimming can have a calming effect on a person with dementia and can help the person feel good about themselves. Taking part in regular exercise like swimming helps increase the blood flow to the brain.
“This is just one way in which the Council helps to improve life opportunities and health.”
SwimShare acts as an introduction to swimming, providing the platform for customers to continue attending mainstream adult swimming sessions once the programme has finished.
A dedicated tutor, with the knowledge and understanding of dementia and skills to engage and work with people with dementia, will be on hand at each session.
The programme will be available at four swimming pools across Cheshire East during the next 12 months, starting Crewe pool, in Flag Lane, starting on Thursday, November 3 from 3-4pm.
SwimShare begins at Macclesfield Leisure Centre’s pool on Friday, November 4 between 9.30am and 10am. Sessions in Wilmslow and Congleton will begin next February.
To be eligible to attend the programme a person must be diagnosed with dementia and be able to swim. The programme is free of charge and people can attend all six sessions, pre-registration is required due to limited places.
To register, please contact Donna Williamson on 01270 685794 or donna.williamson@cheshireeast.gov.uk
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