The nomination recognises the amazing impact the group has had within the local community, supporting individuals to improve their health, wellbeing and confidence through structured, inclusive activity sessions in the pool. The programme is designed to support people with a range of health conditions, helping participants to stay active and connected.
One of the original group members who has benefitted from the support of the Healthy Communities team at the leisure centre and the incredible sessions they provide is Dave Taylor, who after being paralysed from the neck down with Guillain-Barré syndrome in 2020, was told he would never walk again.
Dave, defied the odds through months of rehabilitation in a hydrotherapy pool, eventually walking out of hospital. When COVID-19 restrictions limited access to facilities, Dave began attending a Friday GP referral swim session at Stafford Leisure Centre, initially alone, but soon helped grow it into a thriving community.
Today, the group has become one of the centre’s most popular sessions, supporting people recovering from surgery, managing long-term health conditions or living with lifelong diagnoses. Combining gentle exercise with vital social interaction with others, the welcoming and inclusive group continues to help members regain mobility, build confidence and improve their overall wellbeing.
Delivered by Freedom Leisure’s Healthy Communities team in Stafford, along with a handful of volunteers from the group, the sessions have been widely praised for their positive atmosphere and the life-changing benefits experienced by participants. The recognition from BBC Radio Stoke highlights not only the success of the programme but also the dedication of the team delivering it.
We are incredibly proud that our Water Warriors have been recognised as a finalist in the BBC Radio Stoke “Make a Difference” Awards. This nomination is due to the hard work of our Healthy Communities team and the commitment of our volunteers and participants, who inspire us every day. The programme plays a vital role in improving both physical and mental wellbeing and it’s fantastic to see that impact acknowledged by BBC Radio Stoke.
Alistair Gould
Councillor Gillian Pardesi, Cabinet Member for Leisure at the borough council, congratulated the team and wished them good luck at the awards ceremony.
Freedom Leisure continues to champion initiatives that promote healthier lifestyles and stronger communities, with the group standing as a shining example of how targeted support and inclusive activities can make a real and lasting difference.
Winners of the BBC Radio Stoke Make a Difference Awards will be announced later this year.