In West London, a historic swimming club has developed an innovative approach to support young carers, providing them with much-needed respite while ensuring their cared-for family members are also engaged and supported. The London Borough of Hounslow Swim Club, based in Isleworth, has recently been awarded a significant grant to fund this pioneering programme, which emerged from the experiences of a young carer named William.
A Lifeline for Young Carers in the Community
William, a 17-year-old carer for his mother, found the swimming club to be a valuable escape from his daily responsibilities. However, he still faced anxiety about his mother's wellbeing while he was away. His experience highlighted a critical gap in support services for young carers, who often struggle to find time for themselves while managing care duties alongside studies or other commitments.
Lisa Graham, Head Coach at the swimming club, explained how William's situation inspired the new initiative. "Because of William's experience, and because of our club's experience with William, coupled with our additional research and identifying the need, we have devised a young carers programme which provides wraparound care for young carers and their parents," she told reporters.
Comprehensive Support Through Physical Activity
The programme offers more than just swimming sessions. It creates a welcoming environment where young carers can participate in various activities – including swimming, yoga sessions, or simply relaxing in the library or café – while knowing their parents or guardians are being looked after in the same facility.
This dual approach addresses the heightened anxiety many young carers experience when separated from those they care for. The club's initiative ensures that both carers and their cared-for family members can benefit from the programme simultaneously, creating a supportive community atmosphere that extends beyond traditional youth activities.
Historic Club's Remarkable Recovery
The swimming club itself has a remarkable history, having operated since 1938 and recently becoming a charity in 2023. Like many community organisations, it faced severe challenges during the pandemic, when it was forced to close and risked permanent shutdown. The recent funding represents a significant turnaround for the institution.
Hounslow Council awarded £25,237 to the club as part of its Thriving Communities Programme, which provides annual funding to charities and community organisations across the borough. Michelle Hutchinson, who works for Hounslow Council and was involved in the funding decision, emphasised what made this project stand out.
"It's such a unique project because the way Lisa and the team have developed it, they haven't developed it in isolation," she noted. "They've worked with teams, they've worked with the community, and they've worked with young carers. And it's not just about the young carers, it's also about the cared-for. This joined-up approach creates astronomical impact for those young people and for those cared for."
Broader Community Investment
The swimming club was not the only local organisation to receive funding through the council's programme. Other beneficiaries included:
- Hounslow Youth Counselling Service, which received £20,000 to offer free counselling for young people struggling with mental health
- Feltham Arts Association, awarded £11,496 to deliver art sessions at sheltered accommodation and tackle social isolation
- Inclusive Joyful Activities, which received £10,000 for a social club in Heston supporting adults with additional needs
Councillor Ajmer Grewal, Cabinet Member for Residents Support, Communities and Equalities at Hounslow Council, highlighted the broader significance of this funding. "This funding is so much more than the money; it's about investing in the social fabric of communities across Hounslow," he stated. "With many of these projects proving a lifeline for our residents, this funding aims to strengthen their impact on our most vulnerable residents."
Creating Community Through Shared Experience
William's personal journey with the swimming club demonstrates the transformative potential of such community initiatives. Beyond finding respite from his caring responsibilities, he went on to win awards and compete in the National Youth Games through his involvement with the club.
Reflecting on his experience, William emphasised the importance of community and shared activity. "When people say a healthy body is a healthy mind, I fully agree with that," he said. "Just because so many people are exercising together and seem so much more positive, it rubs off on you. And when you exercise together, you can maybe talk about certain things – it's a way to get stuff off your chest."
The swimming club's innovative programme represents a significant step forward in supporting young carers, recognising both their need for personal time and their concern for those they care for. By creating spaces where both can participate in meaningful activities, the initiative addresses multiple aspects of wellbeing while strengthening community bonds across Hounslow.
