Swimming project in crisis over funding loss

A much-loved community swimming initiative in Renfrewshire is facing an uncertain future after being told its funding will not be renewed.

- ELINA KOBZAR

Just Dive In CIC - a community-led, non-profit organisation which offers sensory float therapy, free swimming lessons, water safety classes and trauma-informed aqua sessions - has lost its funding from the Whole Family Wellbeing Fund.

Just Dive In CIC founder and chief mermaid Laura Hamilton says she is “heartbroken” and fears for the future of lifeline initiatives which have been provided free of charge.

Laura, 49, said: “We very gratefully received a grant from the Whole Family Wellbeing Fund for the 2024-2025 period. It was our first year accessing this particular fund. We carefully managed and stretched it to maximise outcomes and meet the unprecedented demand for inclusive, early intervention support.

“With the WFW Fund’s support, we've been able to deliver services to 83 people - exceeding our initial projection; supported children who had never entered a pool before; helped adults overcome lifelong water trauma; provided respite, calm, and connection for carers; and delivered specialist sessions grounded in trauma-informed care and best practice.