Mental Health Swims is a mental health peer support community. They host free, safe and inclusive swim meet ups nationwide.
They welcome anyone aged 18 and over along to their swim meet ups and are proud to have more than 150 swim locations UK-wide and beyond. Participants can swim, dip, paddle or toe-dip and can do what they are most comfortable with. It’s free of charge.
Mental Health Swims are firmly focused on dips, not distance, and community, not competition. They have trained more than 400 volunteers to facilitate inclusive, safe and welcoming swims.
You can find a swim close to Leeds at Ilkley, in the river Wharfe – they meet at the side of the Old Bridge in Ilkley and swim/dip at the bend a bit further up. It’s monthly (date varies), usually a Sunday morning at 10.30am. You can find out more about the Ilkley group and book online, and follow them on Instagram @MHS_Ilkley.The date does usually change each month to fit in with my other commitments- all information is on the link. I do promote the swims on Instagram but if people don’t have that they can book on via the website above.
You can also find a group at RSPB St Aidan’s, Astley Lane, Leeds LS26 8AL.This group meets monthly on a Saturday morning, from 10.00am, and you can find out more about the St AIdan’s group or book a place online and follow them on Instagram @mhs_leedsstaidans.