“I and other Muslim women don’t feel comfortable exercising around men, but in this session the pool blinds were down so it was totally private. Even at the lake we had our own area. This helps us relax and go at our own pace. I love it.”
Shazia started Open Minds Active’s learn to swim programme in Sep 2022. She was referred by her doctor after experiencing some mental and physical health issues. She was also aqua phobic, therefore incredibly nervous and worried about swimming and being around water. Within just a few weeks her swimming improved dramatically along with her self confidence. By spring 2023 we invited her on to the summer social prescribing wild swimming for wellbeing programme. This was the first time she had ever swum outside in a lake. She absolutely loved it and came every week rain or shine. From an aqua phobic to a confident wild swimmer Shazia’s learn to swim journey is inspirational. Her determination to succeed has encouraged others, plus her confidence and self-belief continues to grow. She intends to start training as a swim teacher in 2024 so that she can support and inspire other Muslim women to access swimming.
“Swimming has helped me a lot physically and mentally. I have knee and hip pain along with some stress related pain. After swimming my pains are less, I feel very relaxed mentally and physically.”