Lambeth swimming teacher Rhys Price has won the Nick Francis Community Award for his work leading supported swimming sessions at Clapham Leisure Centre for disabled people with long-term health conditions.
The two-hour sessions were developed in partnership with South East London Vision (SELVIS) and Disability Advice Service Lambeth (DASL).
The project’s aim is to provide an opportunity for people with a disability to take part in sport and physical activity at the same time as getting specialised swimming instruction. It was set up in partnership with GLL Better.
More than 600 people have attended since the project started.
Rhys said the award underlines the need to include everyone in Better facilities no matter what their support needs. “The Supported Swimming Group at Clapham Leisure Centre is a model for this type of inclusive offer I believe and could be replicated across all sites.”
DASL Officer, Abigail Tripp said, “Right from the start Rhys has been amazing to work with to develop this group. What started as an idea and a few people, some disabled, asking for help with swimming has grown into a hugely popular group.
“We are also recruiting volunteer swimmers to help with group and one to one, we give swimming mentoring training.”
If you would like to join or volunteer to help contact abs.tripp@disabilitylambeth.org.uk
