We are now more than half way through our year-long charity campaign called CommUNITY STArters, which has already seen seven not-for-profit organisations benefit from a £1000 grant in support of their community-based aquatic activities.

For August, the eighth organisation to benefit is Phab Doncaster, a not-for-profit organisation who help children and adults with complex medical needs, complex challenging behaviours, life limiting conditions and children on end-of-life care plans benefit from the properties of water. Their project supports those who cannot access neuro typical swimming sessions or pools by enabling them to engage at a fully adapted hydro pool – including for those with extensive equipment and who require nursing team escort.

Phab Doncaster currently has 45 families on the waiting list, who all desperately need access to the sessions they offer because of all the inherent benefits the water provides for those with disabilities, including sensory feedback, physio output, exercise and the feeling of freedom in a warm, safe environment.

The CommUNITY STArters funding will be used to help more families access these services, and give other children and adults the chance to not only engage within water sports, but to also strengthen their wellbeing and health wellbeing. It’s an activity they all look forward to, Phab said. “Following the pilot, we received phenomenal reviews and testimonials, with one parent in tears as they never thought their young person would be able to access an activity, let alone be in the water again.”

Ali Beckman, STA’s President said; “I have chosen Phab Doncaster, because they provide such wonderfully beneficial services for all those involved. The CommUNITY STArters campaign was created for exactly these types of community projects, and we hope the grant will give even more families the opportunity to access and benefit from their inclusive water-based activities.”

click to apply for a CommUNITY STArters grant