Swimmers take the plunge with new dementia-friendly classes

Testing the water: Helen O’Malley (L) and Annie Mangion (R) try out the new swimming classes. Photograph: Hackney Citizen

Hackney residents suffering from dementia can dip their toe into new customised swimming classes starting at Clissold Leisure Centre.

The award-winning project, which was trialled in Durham earlier this year, is being rolled out by the Amateur Swimming Association (ASA) in six further areas across the UK, including Hackney.

The launch of the new schemes was marked last week by an event at Clissold swimming pool, during which locals could trial the class.

Homerton resident Helen O’Malley, 68, donned her swimsuit and goggles for the taster session. “I love swimming,” she said. “It’s good exercise, it keeps you fit, and you feel much happier once you’ve been.”

The weekly classes, beginning in January, will be supervised by pool staff and lifeguards who have received dementia training.

Low impact exercise can help to improve the quality of life for people in all stages of dementia, and swimming in particular helps reduce anxiety and improve a person’s mood and sense of physical and mental well-being, according to the ASA.

London Fields resident Annie Mangion, 75, also trialled the class. She said: “You’re never too old for swimming. I only started five years ago and I can’t keep away now.”

Growing concern

Cases of dementia are on the rise in the borough. In 2014, Hackney and the City had 1269 people aged 65 and over living with dementia, according to GLA projections.

The council expects that figure to increase to almost 1,900 by 2020.

Ms Hill said Clissold pool was suitable for the dementia friendly project because it is not too long or too deep, it’s quiet and light-filled.

The leisure centre will ensure all the mats are easily visible to dementia sufferers, who can struggle to distinguish different colours.

Sports Minister Tracey Crouch MP, who attended the launch, said: “This scheme is important because we’re seeing more and more people suffer from dementia.