Volunteers needed to help keep swim sessions running

FROME Get Wet Set swimming group, for school-aged children with additional needs, is looking for more volunteers to keep the sessions running.

Frome Get Wet Set is run by Bath Swim Therapy at Harry’s Hydro pool, and offers sessions on Tuesday evenings between 4pm-6.30pm for children with disabilities and additional needs. 

However, they are in need of a number of volunteers in order to continue the sessions. 

The young swimmers have a wide range of needs which means they cannot access mainstream swimming lessons. This can be physical disabilities which mean they need hoisting facilities and warm water, or be social, sensory or learning difficulties.

The group is in need of pool-side supporters, a treasurer, secretary, committee members, fundraising and publicity help and swim supporters. 

A poolside supporter will receive training from the club and Harry’s Hydro to oversee the sessions and operate pool hoists, emergency alarms and ensure the pool is used safely. They will not be required to get in the water. Current poolside volunteer, Pam Penkman, has been a supporter for the past four years but due to other commitments has had to move on. 

She said, “It’s great watching the children have fun and gain confidence in the water, at the same time interacting with other children in the pool. It’s very rewarding and a valuable learning experience for me, and I’ve made some good friends in the process.”

As treasurer you will keep track of the club’s finances and make payments including paying the instructor, hire fees of Harry’s Hydro and insurances. 

The current secretary is based in London and has been travelling to the area for meetings, however this is no longer possible. They are in search of a local person that could help.

Liz Manely, who currently has the role said, “As secretary I keep an eye on the emails we receive and write up the notes from the meetings. It’s not difficult or time-consuming and the meetings are fun. It’s very satisfying to know that what we do enables children with various needs to enjoy the water.”

The group also need help with fundraising and publicity. The sessions only cost £6 a week although hydrotherapy is typically much more expensive. They are able to keep costs low with thanks to fundraising. This role would help to complete funding applications and assist in fundraising activities. 

Finally, a swim supporter is a volunteer that helps a child in the water. There is a family that is looking for help, 1:1 for their child with additional needs. Though the instructor sets the activities and organises the sessions, the supporter helps the child to focus on the activities and give them feedback and encouragement. 

Each child has a programme designed for them by the instructor. Some of the activities are play-based, involving a game or song the young person enjoys, to motivate them to practise a skill. Other activities are more like traditional swim instruction. For instance, the youngsters may play a ball game in the water, to develop their arm strength or breath control or they may practice turning in the water to float safely on their back.

If anybody is interested to find out more about volunteering at the club, contact Alison Douthwaite, 01373 465984 or alison@herneoak.co.uk

At the moment Frome Get Wet Set is operating a waiting list – it is very popular. If you’re interested in having a taster session or going on the waiting list contact Alison. 

For more information visit www.bathswimtherapy .org.uk.