Making a Splash This Winter

Warming Up for Winter: Christmas Swim for Families in Temporary Accommodation

Over the Christmas holidays, we were proud to host another InUnity Christmas Swim Party for families living in temporary accommodation. Thanks to funding from Bring It On Brum and Sport England, we were able to take families to Ladywood Leisure Centre for a festive swim session that was full of warmth, connection, and familiar faces.

This isn’t a new activity for us. Our swim sessions have been running for a long time and have become something families genuinely look forward to. When the poster goes up, the excitement starts straight away. InUnity swim parties are well known as a place where families can enjoy the pool together, surrounded by friends and trusted staff, in a safe and welcoming space.

At this session, we were joined by families who have been living in temporary accommodation for some time, as well as families who have only recently arrived. We also welcomed a few families who have moved on into permanent housing. Coming back to the swim sessions gives their children a sense of familiarity and continuity during a period of big change, which is incredibly important.

As part of the day, our walking bus set off to the leisure centre together. Despite the cold, families chatted, laughed, and played games with staff along the way. Those shared moments on the walk are just as valuable as the swim itself.

The aim of these sessions is to help families feel confident and connected in their local community. We support families to sign up to local Be Active schemes so they can return to the leisure centre independently and continue swimming together. Building confidence, familiarity, and lasting community connections is what this work is all about.

After the swim, families were treated to a hot meal: a turkey dinner with rice and peas, or a vegetarian option, kindly catered by 2Much Passion CIC. Fresh fruit, cake, and a festive treat from InUnity helped round off the day.

We love these swimming sessions. The smiles, the laughter, and the connections between families mean a great deal to us, especially at a time of year that can be challenging for many. Creating safe, joyful spaces where families can come together is at the heart of what we do.