The Hargreaves Foundation supports Sparkle (South Wales)

The Trustees of The Hargreaves Foundation are delighted to announce their support for Sparkle, granting funding towards their project that ensures the life-saving skill of swimming is accessible to children and young people with disabilities and/or developmental difficulties in the North Gwent area.

Since 2001, Sparkle have been helping those who are not able to access mainstream play clubs, youth clubs or swimming lessons due to a lack of appropriate support and facilities, unsuitable learning environments, and a lack of understanding of their complex needs. They work closely in partnership with CB Training, an organisation that provides skilled instructors, to provide accredited swim training for children and young people, as well as employing lifeguards and Aquatic Helpers to support the children in the water.

For children living in the north of the catchment area, however, transport and cost restrictions means they cannot access the facility. Therefore, Sparkle have introduced weekly swimming lessons at a hydrotherapy pool in the north of the catchment area. This is extremely beneficial to the children with mobility issues as the pool area is kept at a higher temperature to community pools, and the facilities provide a quieter, less crowded environment which is beneficial for those with sensory difficulties. 

Funding from The Hargreaves Foundation will allow Sparkle to deliver these specialist hydrotherapy swimming lessons to a group of 12 children over a one-year period. This would contribute to the costs of hiring Autism Swim approved instructors and lifeguards and specially trained Aquatic Helpers that provide 1:1 support in the pool. These sessions not only improve physical health but also boost self-confidence and give young people a sense of achievement, which has a life-long impact on their ability to safely and confidently enjoy the health and wellbeing benefits of swimming.