Friends of Al-Amal are a group of volunteers working in the Inverurie area to support New Scots to integrate into the community. In January this year, the group received funding from Live Life Aberdeenshire’s Sport for Change fund, and through collaboration with Community Sports Hub officer Gregory Welsh and Inverurie Community Campus, have been able to offer a block of swimming lessons, providing valuable life-skills and confidence to the diverse group of women.
Participants ranged in age from 17 to 65, with a varied group including Polish, Ukrainian, Pakistani, and several Syrian ladies. The initiative was especially impactful, as many of the attendees were either non-swimmers or early beginners, with some expressing initial fear of the water and having previously been unable to access adapted and suitable swimming opportunities. Specialised swimwear was sourced and provided, and with confidence growing, the group are now looking at opportunities to integrate into public sessions in future.
One participant highlighted that "I learned how to swim and I got a little better. I was very happy that I was learning and improving, but I have fear and hope to learn more to overcome it." Another shared "I didn't know how to swim & was told I wouldn't manage either because of my condition, but due to these lessons, I have learned the basics of swimming and how to manage with my health issues. I wholeheartedly appreciate having been given this opportunity to get thus far. Huge thank you to Greg, Jackie, the swimming instructor and everyone involved in getting us these lessons."
Cllr Anne Stirling, chair of the council’s Communities Committee, said: "The success of this swimming programme underlines the importance of ensuring everyone in our community has access to physical activity, regardless of their background or ability. The stories shared by the participants are a testament to the dedication of Friends of Al-Amal and their partners in promoting integration and wellbeing in our community."
Gregory Welsh who supported the group to gain access to the activity commented “It has been a really special project and I’m delighted that so many have been able to take part. Hopefully, by breaking down the barriers, we are helping the group to have the confidence to become more involved in sport and physical activity, and I look forward to developing opportunities locally and in other areas of Aberdeenshire in future.”
Meanwhile Jackie one of the volunteers from the group enthused “This has been one of the most successful activities we have provided in terms of uptake and regular attendance, and following sessions, another fantastic thing is that the ladies are asking for other activities - this came from them, not from us”
Since the block of swimming finished, the group have remained active and has been visiting the fitness room and is about to try out the climbing wall and some of the group exercise classes at the campus. Further activities are also planned including some delivered by local sports clubs.
Find out more about Friends of Al-Amal and any of the other projects Community Sport Hub officers are supporting: Community Sports Hubs