I did my first Mental Health Swim on a Sunday in Whitstable with Hayley. (@hayley_yoga).

I was nervous 😬 but excited to meet new likeminded people.

It was well organised: I spotted the pink pirate flag straight away and the spot was perfect (I actually visited there again next day). It was so refreshing to swim somewhere different and feel safe; the water was calm and the sun was shining on our faces. They were all a friendly bunch and, after I got into the water, it felt wonderous! 

We chatted before and after, shared sweet treats and even the retro flask made an appearance for a hot drink! Everyone was friendly and welcoming and, what was really nice, too, was that families had gathered to support us, which gave it a real sense of community.

I really encourage anyone thinking about joining one of the MHS meets to dig deep and just go for it.

I always swam as a little girl, but not in the sea, and then moved to the Midlands for 20 years so sea swimming wouldn’t have been possible.

I started sea swimming in February 2021 after being intrigued by seeing more and more people doing, and benefiting from, it during the lockdown. 

I work for the NHS with older adults in the community and everything had become overwhelming. My anxiety was so bad I was suffering from panic attacks; my mood was low, I was lonely and my alcohol intake had increased (something we don’t speak openly or honestly about). I started out in just a swimsuit and my trainers, dipping by the shoreline (more than actual swimming) but I got in which was the main thing. 

I’m now fully fledged, with a dry robe that was found for me “as new” for half the price on a selling site. I wouldn’t be without it now! Neoprene gloves and boots make such a difference and I’m going to continue swimming all year round! In the future I hope to host with MHS: I love the community – it’s a bit like owning a dog in that people smile and stop to talk. We support each other, swim/dip and share stories and ideas. We are all in this together 🙌🏽