Suzy Downes and Community Transport Sussex, provided transport for an outing for families living in the north of the Chichester District.

Community Transport Sussex are running a project with the NHS to better understand the health inequalities that people with disabilities or families on low-income face when getting out to activities that support their health and wellbeing.

Suzy joined us at our Midhurst Family Group to ask the families where they would like to go and what would be most beneficial for their children. The families decided that they would really benefit from a swimming trip as this is something that is difficult to do for a number of reasons such as, low financial income, anxiety or simply needing the practical support from our staff and volunteers due to physical disabilities.  Five of the parents noted that they had never been able to take their children swimming, so it seemed like the perfect outing.

We contacted Seal Bay Resort in Selsey and they were kind enough to offer a free swimming session for all of our families, volunteers and staff.

The families were collected from Midhurst by minibus and driven to the resort where they enjoyed a fantastic experience in the water, some for the first time.  It was wonderful to see the children having fun with their parents and for the parents to feel so relaxed and supported in the environment.

Afterwards, the families enjoyed a picnic and an ice cream in the sunshine, with a view of the beach, before returning home on the minibus.

We received great feedback from the families. New friendships were formed between families on the journey to and from the resort. They said:

“I am so pleased that I pushed myself to do this for my son, I feel really proud that I was able to face my anxiety so that he could experience this.” – Emily

“My daughter is having the best time, she is so confident in the water!” – Alex

“I am so pleased that I have been able to bring my son as I could never have done this on my own.” – Aimee

“We have enjoyed it so much that we have enquired about coming back again with our older child.” – Paige