Making A Splash – Our Pool Finally Re-opens
At the start of 2020, our pool looked very tired and in need of a face-lift. The floor was a danger to walk on and the raised pool floor didn’t work. It needed a total overhaul to bring it up to current safety standards and make it a lovely place to exercise and have fun once again.
We were incredibly fortunate that we received a substantial grant from The Band Trust for the renovations. Whilst the world was in lockdown we took the opportunity to carry out the work.
After several months we are delighted with the outcome. It now has a solid pool floor and non-slip tiles across the whole area, which makes it much safer and more practical for our members with multiple sclerosis (MS) and other local groups that also use the pool. We have retained the horizontal stairs that make it so much easier for people with mobility difficulties to get in and out of the pool.
The pool is a lifeline for people coming to the Cente It helps with physiotherapy and the pain. It gives me extra ability to stand which I can’t do on dry land. The new pool is fresher and brighter and is very welcoming to people. The steps are great because I can now get in and out easily. I don’t need to be hoisted in anymore and it makes me practise my step movements too.
Karen, Centre Member with MS
Lou Grace, Deputy Head of Integrated Clinical Services, said: Our old pool was becoming dangerous and costly to maintain. Now we have a safer pool that is better suited to our members’ needs. Being able to offer hydrotherapy again is fantastic as it means we are able to give therapy to people with MS who may otherwise find it much more difficult out of the water. We are so incredibly grateful to all of the trustees of The Band Trust for their support. “
They generously gifted £100,000 to the Centre for the purpose of renovating the pool and also to upgrade our out-of-date IT system.
This new pool will not only benefit people with multiple sclerosis for many years to come but also several community groups who use our specialist facilities.
The pool is a lifeline for people coming to the Cente It helps with physiotherapy and the pain. It gives me extra ability to stand which I can’t do on dry land. The new pool is fresher and brighter and is very welcoming to people. The steps are great because you can get in and out easily. I don’t need to be hoisted in anymore and makes you practise walking too.