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Special swimming sessions are being run this year for disabled people by a Suffolk Charity.

The ‘Big Splash’ supported swimming sessions for people with disabilities are co-ordinated by Rethink Disability and are run weekly in Haverhill Leisure Centre.

At each session experienced volunteers are on hand to help assist disabled swimmers. Big Splash sessions give disabled people the chance to learn how to swim and have support in the water, without the noise and crowds of public sessions. It also gives more experienced disabled swimmers the opportunity to have a quiet swim.

For people with physical disabilities, swimming offers many benefits such as freedom of movement, relaxation and the opportunity to exercise.

Swimming can also help people recovering from an accident or illness who are welcome to Big Splash sessions.

At the sessions a hoist, accessible steps or ramp is provided for disabled swimmers along with poolside wheelchairs. Disabled changing facilities and specialised water support equipment are also available.

David Finn, manager of Rethink Disability’s Leisure Services, said: “Many disabled people or the parents of young disabled people may not realise that the opportunities to swim on a regular basis exist. Big Splash sessions are popular but we’d like to see even more people coming along and taking part.

“Some disabled swimmers would prefer not to come along during normal busier times and we provide the opportunity for them to come and have a swim when there is plenty of space in the pool.”

Big Splash sessions run at Haverhill Leisure Centre every Tuesday from 11am to 12noon.

Volunteers and carers swim at all Big Splash sessions for free. Rethink Disability would welcome anyone who would like to volunteer to help at Big Splash sessions.

For more information about Big Splash or volunteering, call Rethink Disability’s Leisure Services on 01449 770154, or go to the website at www.rethink-disability-org.uk

Sessions are also held at other venues across the county and are also usually held at Bury St Edmunds Leisure Centre but have been suspended while it is being repaired.