Free swimming sessions for Chesterfield people living with and beyond cancer

OutSwimming Cancer is a supported swim session that takes place once per week and is completely free to attend, thanks to funding from Weston Park Cancer Charity.

A dedicated swim instructor will be on hand at all times to provide support and advice, and reassure swimmers. Sessions are currently taking place every Monday until 19 July and will resume again each Monday between 6 September and 18 October.

Councillor Jill Mannion-Brunt, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “We are very proud to be supporting these sessions again, it’s important that everyone feels like they can pursue a healthy lifestyle and use our facilities to achieve this.

“The sessions first took place at Queen’s Park Sports Centre in early 2020 but were unfortunately cut short due to the COVID-19 restrictions, so we’re really looking forward to welcoming people back to our centre. Our staff at the centre are really supportive and it’s brilliant that we can offer this provision to people who are going through such a difficult time in their lives.”

Lesley Rechert a swimming instructor based at Queen’s Park Sports Centre who organises the OutSwimming sessions, said: “Swimming is a wonderful activity for people who have experienced cancer – it’s fun, enjoyable and therapeutic

“Recovery from cancer can take a long time but swimming is really beneficial for the journey back to better health – it’s a great way for rebuilding your strength and confidence.

“It can often be a challenge to return to swimming after suffering with cancer but quiet sessions like OutSwimming Cancer aim to create an inclusive environment that is supportive as well as enjoyable.

Dr Ruby Osborn, Grant Manager at Weston Park Cancer Charity, said: “We’re proud to continue to fund OutSwimming Cancer – a programme which makes a real difference to people living with cancer in Chesterfield and the surrounding areas.

“Cancer research, including projects funded by Weston Park Cancer Charity, increasingly demonstrate a strong link between exercise and improvement of outcomes for people living with cancer.

“This means that increasing physical activity, where possible, is vital for the one in two people who develop cancer in their lifetimes. Living with cancer and undergoing cancer treatment can make exercise challenging, but with a dedicated swimming teacher, OutSwimming Cancer is a great way for people living with and beyond cancer to improve their health and fitness.

“Exercise like swimming can also have a really positive impact on mental health. We want this to be available to everybody, so we’re happy to support projects like this to provide extra advice and encouragement to those who need it.”

Funding for the OutSwimming Cancer sessions is provided by Weston Park Cancer Charity with support from Chesterfield Borough Council. Swimmers must be fit and healthy enough to be in the swimming pool and are encouraged to speak to the GP before attending a session if they are unsure.

Booking is essential and can be done online at www.chesterfield.gov.uk/leisure or calling Queen’s Park Sports Centre on 01246 345555.

COVID safety measures remain in place at Queen’s Park Sports Centre to make sure everyone can enjoy their visit to the centre safely. More information on the safety measures can be found at www.chesterfield.gov.uk/sport-and-leisure/leisure-centres-frequently-asked-questions

For more information or if residents are unable to attend the group sessions please contact rebecca.truman@chesterfield.gov.uk