Swimming Sisters: building confidence and community in Hastings

by Bryony Michaelson, Programme Manager (UK)

In 2024 we proudly launched Swimming Sisters, our first UK-based programme, in Hastings, East Sussex. This initiative was created to support women who have previously faced barriers in accessing swimming. Our goal? To help them overcome fears, build confidence and find community and connection. 

We take a holistic approach in all our programmes, both in the UK and in Kurdistan, Iraq, combining mental health support with opportunities for learning and growth. Swimming Sisters has been running successfully in Kurdistan and thanks to the generous support of our partners, Ancient + Brave, we have been able to bring the programme to the UK. 

Swimming Sisters has always been about much more than learning how to swim. It also offers a vital space for self-care, wellbeing, and community. Women are discovering the joy of ‘me time’, finding moments of peace away from their daily responsibilities. Many participants have described the sessions as the only time they can truly focus on themselves. For newcomers to the local area, the programme has also created a welcoming community and a safe space to connect with other women. 

Beyond mental and social well-being, the participants are also benefiting from improvements to their physical health. Several joined the programme on the advice of their healthcare providers and are noting significant progress in health and stamina. 

We are always led by the needs of the community and much of our work at The Lotus Flower is about breaking down barriers. This means there will always be challenges to overcome. For the Swimming Sisters programme, this included the challenge of finding women-only spaces, which are limited, and navigating generational or cultural attitudes that can discourage women from swimming. Creating a safe, inclusive, and culturally sensitive environment has been central to the growth of this programme and community.

Speaking to our Swimming Sisters, the benefits are clear! The women are reporting greater confidence at home and life more widely - whether joining family water activities, feeling safe on holiday, or simply enjoying being near the water. One participant shared the joy of being able to take her children swimming - an activity she had previously avoided due to her fear of water. Another recounted how proud she felt taking her grandchildren to a public pool for the first time.

Our ‘Sisters’ lunches have become a standing date in the diary, where each member brings a delicious dish! And we are finding that these meet-ups are really strengthening bonds within the group, as well as reducing isolation.

In the words of our Swimming Sisters co-ordinator, Celeste: 

"It has been lovely to see the Swimming Sisters community flourish. The group started as strangers, but over the weeks friendships are forming and there is a great sense of team spirit among the women. If one woman is struggling with something in the pool, there’s only a second before someone steps forward to help or encourage. The group have expressed how empowering it feels to gain confidence in something they didn’t think they could do."

What is next for Swimming Sisters? Looking ahead, we are excited to share that a group of Swimming Sisters will be taking part in a sea safety workshop on the Hastings shoreline. This is taking place in partnership with the Clean Water Action Group. For many, this will be the first time they approach the sea, offering an opportunity to learn about tide patterns, safety, and even dip a toe in the water if they wish!