A community initiative comes to Swansea
Bather Banks is a concept started at Penyrheol at Christmas time - a place where the local community can drop off items which could then be donated to support families in the local community to enjoy time in the pool.
Times are hard, the pandemic has hit families like we didn’t expect. Swimming is a way to develop a life skill, a way to keep yourself fit and healthy, a way to have fun and relax but before even stepping into the pool you need to have the correct gear.
Everyone has been so generous. Just getting into the pool can be expensive without having to think about the cost of bathers, towels and goggles. It’s been a tough couple of years and it’s so great to see what we can do for the community when we work together
Emma Lloyd, Assistant Manager
Our Bather Banks are a way to rally our local communities to support those less fortunate than themselves. Seeing a swimming costume on a sale rail in their local super market and then dropping into our donation box is a great way to help. We are accepting second hand towels and goggles that are in good condition but swimming wear must be new.
The scheme has been welcomed by Swim Wales and Migrant Help UK.
For many asylum seekers access to sport is so important for wellbeing but often something simple like not having the right kit can prevent them from taking part. Bather Banks is a fantastic initiative, providing bathers and towels will mean many more people can access swimming and improve their quality of life, thank you for this wonderful initiative
Sophia Nasreisfahany