Sandgate School Sensory Swimming

"After a tough day we all appreciate a hot bath, maybe with some chill music and scented candles to help us de-stress. Now imagine you have a serious medical condition, painful muscle spasms, constant aches and pains and limited movement. Sensory swim sessions are so important for children who are fighting theses burdens on a daily basis, in some cases the soothing effect of the warm water coupled with the sensory aspects of mood lighting and relaxing music can be more effective in pain management than medication. Due to the nature of the children’s medical conditions they rarely get the opportunity to take part in activities other children take for granted, sensory swimming not only acts as a health benefit but it is also inclusive, allows them to take part alongside their peers and improves their quality of life. We have witnessed first-hand the benefits, positive response and shear enjoyment of children who have been able to access sensory swimming sessions and with your help and support we hope to be able to give our children at Sandgate the opportunity to access their very own sensory pool. Please do support this worthy cause and on behalf of all the children who will benefit, thank you!"
– Nicola Elson (parent of Connie, pictured above)

Sensory Swimming is a priority at Sandgate School – a special needs school in Kendal, Cumbria – it allows our students to freely explore without the confines or restrictions that terra firma forces upon us.

As we have grown, Sandgate School numbers have increased and we have a need outside of what the local community pool can provide. We are aiming to add a sensory hydrotherapy pool within our new build on the Sandgate @ Queen Katherine site. To allow us this opportunity we are wanting to raise £250,000, which will allow us to cater for the student physical needs and local community demands on a more frequent basis.

We are fundraising to allow our most vulnerable students with the greatest physical and emotional need to experience a freedom in life that only quality Sensory swimming can provide.



How can you help?

You can help by donating what you can on this Just Giving page, and by sharing with your friends using the links at the bottom of this page. You can also #MakeASplash for Sandgate School Sensory Swimming!
Make the most of the hot weather and record yourself and others making a splash;

·       Get the wheels of your wheel chair wet!

·       Take off your shoes and get your toes in a paddling pool!

·       Swim in your local pool!

·       Dive off a board!

·       Jump off a jetty!

Whatever you do, take a photo/video of it, nominate someone on social media and copy and paste this message. The most important aspect is that you SWIM SAFE – never on your own and always within your limits.