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Women’s only Swimming -Campaign

 


Ever since nearly drowning at Sansome walk swimming pool as a kid, I have been campaigning for free swimming for Children.

 When Perdiswell Swimming pool was built I ensured a clause existed in the service level agreement to provide free swimming for kids, who couldn’t swim a minimum of 25 m by the time they left school!

Recently I have also identified another need, Ever since the Closure of Sansome Walk Swimming pool a few years ago there has been no provision for ladies only swimming in the city.

I identified this need through my role as the chairman of the Perryfield's Community  Association, that works with vulnerable groups and people from disadvantaged backgrounds.

 It is a well known fact that women from minority backgrounds are the most vulnerable and least likely to be able to swim, after some high profile drownings recently, I decided that I needed to do something about it.

I managed in conjunction with a local school and a qualified teachers to start up swimming classes for this vulnerable group.

On the back of talking to many other people and community groups in the city about this issue,

 It became clear that the women’s only issue was a much bigger issue for women across the city.

 

The open plan unisex layout of Perdiswell doesn’t sit comfortably with many women and the nearly 360 degree visibility that was introduced for child safety created a barrier to entry for many.

 This is why I have been working with freedom leisure Young Solutions and the Royal Life-saving Society to get a ladies only session at Perdiswell!

I am pleased to say that good progress has been made in negotiations and a slot will hopefully become available subject to final details.

This will enable vulnerable women, women from minority backgrounds and all those women who are uncomfortable in a mixed environment to learn to swim & enjoy the facilities free from worry at Perdiswell.

Your Labour Councilors Identifying and resolving real barriers to entry. And always on your side

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