SDSG is a registered charity, no. 1129347, and is a swimming Group with a difference – our membership consists of individuals with long-term disabilities, those recovering from illness or injury, and, of course, their families and friends. Supporting and helping those with a disability, a health condition, or a long-term illness feel comfortable in the water.
Mission:
To empower individuals with disabilities through swimming. We believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to be active and healthy, regardless of their abilities.
We are always welcoming new members, so please get in touch by email admin@shepsheddolphins.org.uk or by phone or text 07739 760 725
Swim fees
£3.00 per session for over 18s. £2 for under 18s (under 2s are free). One carer per member is free, if you would like.
We don’t offer 1-to-1 swim lessons or in-water support. If you need help in the water, you will need to swim with a carer, friend, or family member. They can swim for free under our new scheme.
If you are looking for children’s swimming lessons, please get in touch with JKM Swim School – jkmswim@yahoo.co.uk. They are happy to work with you to help your child start to feel confident in the water. Core Aquatics also have trained Autism swim teachers; visit their website for more information.
We have an Oxford Dipper Poolside Hoist, along with various swim aids and floats to assist in the water.
There are male and female changing rooms as well as a separate disabled changing room.
We are a registered charity (1129347) and cannot run our sessions without funding from grants and donations. If you would like to donate, you can do so through Wonderful Payments by clicking the DONATE NOW button.
Since the pool reopened, we have seen an increase in demand for our swimming sessions. There is a swimmer limit within the pool; therefore, if we reach capacity, you may be asked to wait a short while. Our volunteers will explain the situation should this happen.
If you would like to donate, we would appreciate it. Please click Donate to SDSG
.
Why I Benefit from Shepshed Dolphins Disabled Swim Group
I joined the Shepshed Dolphins disabled swim group a few years ago after a senior physiotherapist suggested I return to swimming to help manage my physical health.
At the time, I was struggling with increasing pain in my back, legs and especially my right knee due to arthritis. I remain under the care of both an orthopaedic team and a spinal surgeon.
Although I knew swimming would be beneficial, I also live with anxiety and found busy public swimming pools, particularly larger leisure centres, far too overwhelming.
Many years ago, I had enjoyed swimming outdoors, so I tried returning to open water swimming. However, I had lost so much confidence that I was too frightened to put my head under the water or swim out of my depth. I needed support from someone staying with me to help me overcome those fears.
When I discovered that Shepshed School hosted a disabled swim group, which at the time also included an AquaFit session, I decided to go along. At first, I was too anxious to even get into the water and simply watched. Thankfully, the group was small, friendly and welcoming, which helped me gradually build my confidence.
Knowing there is a limit on the number of people in the pool makes a huge difference to my anxiety. I also find the environment much easier to manage than larger leisure centres, as the lighting doesn’t trigger my visual vertigo and the pool doesn’t have the strong chlorine smell that I struggle with elsewhere.
Once I found the confidence to join in, I really enjoyed the AquaFit sessions while they were running. They helped me stay active before my total knee replacement, and swimming before and after the sessions helped improve my mobility and reduce some of my pain. Although AquaFit no longer runs, I continue to benefit enormously from attending the swimming sessions.
Swimming is one of the few forms of exercise I can still do despite my health conditions, and it helps me keep moving when other activities are much more difficult.
One of the biggest benefits has been the people. Sam, the volunteers and the lifeguards have always been incredibly patient, kind and encouraging. Everyone is welcoming and non-judgemental, and that has made such a positive difference to my confidence and anxiety. I’ve met like-minded people, and I always feel accepted.
Over time, my confidence in the water has grown enormously. It took me a long time to feel comfortable putting my head under the water again, but eventually I did. I have even relearned front crawl. I’m still learning and improving, but every time I swim I become a little more confident. The confidence I have gained through Shepshed Dolphins has also helped me with open water swimming. Although I’m not able to do it as often as I once did because of my health, I still enjoy getting into open water whenever I can.
Over the years, I’ve also realised just how important the group has become to me. Whenever the pool has been closed, or I’ve been too unwell to attend, I really notice the difference. My body becomes stiffer, my pain increases, and I miss the routine of swimming. Just as importantly, I miss seeing everyone.
Living with long-term health conditions and anxiety can sometimes be isolating, and it’s easy to become lonely. Shepshed Dolphins gives me something positive to look forward to every week. It helps me stay connected with other people and reminds me that I’m part of a friendly and supportive community. The social side of the group has been just as valuable to me as the physical benefits.
As a small way of saying thank you to everyone at Shepshed Dolphins, I’m hoping to complete my first Rutland open water swim to raise a little money for the group. It feels like a fitting way to give something back to a club that has helped me regain confidence, improve my physical health, reduce my anxiety and become part of such a caring community.
I am incredibly grateful to everyone involved with Shepshed Dolphins for the kindness, patience and encouragement they have shown me over the past few years. They have made a genuine difference to my life.
We are thrilled to announce that we have been chosen to partner with Active Together as part of the Let’s Get Moving campaign! This exciting collaboration will help us encourage more people to get active, stay healthy, and enjoy the many benefits of physical activity. We are proud to be part of this initiative and are looking forward to working alongside Active Together to inspire and support our community in leading more active lifestyles. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting partnership!
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to East Midlands Airport for their generous donation of £2000. This contribution will go directly towards the replacement of a poolside hoist, an essential piece of equipment that will help ensure our members can access the pool safely and with ease. The support provided by East Midlands Airport plays a vital role in enhancing the safety and wellbeing of our community, and we are deeply grateful for their kindness and commitment to making a difference. Thank you for helping us provide a more inclusive and accessible environment for everyone.
Thank You to the Morrisons Foundation for Their Generous Support
The Shepshed Dolphin Group would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Morrisons Foundation for their generous donation.
Thanks to their support, we are now able to replace our poolside hoist – an essential piece of equipment that ensures our members can safely access the swimming pool. This upgrade will make a huge difference to the experience and wellbeing of those who rely on our sessions.
We are incredibly grateful for the Morrisons Foundation’s commitment to supporting local communities and inclusive initiatives like ours. Their contribution helps us continue our mission of making swimming accessible to all.
Thank you once again for your invaluable support!