Thurrock Swimming Club provides free lessons to young carers and young adults with special education needs

Thurrock Swimming Club have received a grant from The Jack Petchey Foundation as part of their COVID Recovery Fund, a fund focused on helping youth organisations build back better after the impact of the national lockdowns. The grant has been used by Thurrock Swimming Club to continue helping their community by offering 12 months of free swimming lessons to young carers and young adults with special educational needs.

As a result, over 30 young people have joined the club and are enjoying learning to swim, making new friends and have a respite from the pressures of everyday life with a splash.

One such young person is Nancy, who is partially sighted and a young carer for her father who has been suffering seizures since last lockdown. Nancy has been an incredible support for her father, ensuring he is safe during her seizures.

Georgia, Nancy’s mother, said: “The swimming club means that [Nancy] is able to have a break from what is going on at home and be a ‘child’ again. What is also nice is that I am able to watch her and it’s time we get to spend together. She looks forward to swimming every week.”

Paul Robbins, Director and Head Coach, said: “The uptake was huge. Having experience with children with SEN, I understand how difficult it is for families to access mainstream activities, learn to swim and gain valuable life skills. Having seen these children in their lessons, it has been so rewarding seeing them enjoy their lessons and gain the opportunities and respite they deserve. Thurrock Swimming Club and the Jack Petchey Foundation have a great relationship and the COVID Recovery Grant has given us the opportunity to give back to the community.”

Thurrock Swimming Club is preparing to further develop and build closer relationships within the Thurrock community. TSC helps swimmers learn to swim, coaches swimmers up to national level and educates its members by providing life long skills and employment opportunities. As well as developing relationships with schools, the council, Impulse Leisure and local businesses, TSC has now begun to discuss long term opportunities with departments within social services.

The Jack Petchey Foundation has worked with schools and youth groups across Thurrock since 2008 providing £1,452,387 in funding to schools and youth clubs in the local area.