Thanks to SHINE Fund, service users from Northern Region Gender Dysphoria service (NRGDS) have accessed exclusive swimming sessions providing a safe, affirming environment supporting wellbeing and connection.
The sessions offered exclusive access to the entire venue including changing facilities, ensuring a safe, private, and affirming environment for all attendees.
This opportunity is important for trans and nonbinary service users, many of whom face significant barriers to accessing public swimming spaces due to stigma, discrimination, and the lack of safe changing facilities.
Swimming is a powerful tool for supporting both mental and physical health. It offers a gentle, accessible way to manage stress, improve mood, and build social connections – particularly important for our service users who are navigating long waiting lists.
Feedback from participants:
"I liked the chill atmosphere, and I felt more comfortable and included."
"It was great to be able to go swimming without worrying about potential reaction from general public. I felt safe."
"Everything was perfect, communications running up to the day were great and the layout of how things ran were great!"
"I enjoyed the fact that I was able to build my confidence by being around new people in a setting I usually try to avoid and talking to said new people, listening to each individual and their journey."
