Disability charity Optua is reminding all disabled people in Stowmarket and surrounding areas about its weekly supported swimming sessions at Mid Suffolk Leisure Centre.

‘Big Splash’ sessions take place at the Leisure Centre every Monday afternoon from 3pm to 4pm.

Big Splash sessions are run across the county at a total of eight locations. They are an ideal way for disabled people to learn to swim with volunteer support, or just have a quiet swim. The sessions are also open to anyone recovering from a long term illness or injury looking to regain fitness or mobility.

At Mid Suffolk Leisure Centre in Stowmarket there is a chair hoist into the pool, or accessible steps and Optua volunteers can support swimmers in the water if required. There is also a poolside wheelchair available and sessions only cost £1.60.

David Finn, manager of Optua Leisure which co-ordinates the sessions said: “Our Big Splash sessions are a great way for people with a disability to learn to swim in a relaxed, supported environment or just come along for a swim when the pool is quieter. Swimming has many benefits for disabled people, and is a great way for anyone with mobility problems to keep healthy and active. There are plenty of spaces at our Stowmarket sessions at the moment so get in touch with us or come along on and join in!”

Anyone interested in the sessions can just come along on a Monday or call Optua Leisure on 01473 836770 or email leisure@optua.org.uk . Optua Leisure runs a wide range of leisure and sporting activities for disabled people across Suffolk including the Suffolk Disability Sport Academy.

You can also visit the website at www.optua.org.uk