Leisure World Colchester is delighted to announce the installation of a pool lift that caters specifically to disabled individuals.
This new feature, called the Poolpod, was installed on Tuesday, 18 July, thanks to a generous investment of £30,878. The decision to invest in Poolpod was influenced by feedback provided by occupational therapists from Sport for Confidence, who use the facilities.
This state-of-the-art submersible platform provides a dignified and accessible means for people with limited mobility to enter the swimming pool. Users can operate the lift independently using an innovative wristband system, and the pool's staff and swimming instructors have also received training to offer assistance when needed.
Cllr Michelle Burrows, Portfolio Holder for Leisure, Culture, and Heritage, said: “This investment is a significant step in further expanding Leisure World's pool offerings and allowing more residents to benefit from swimming.
“I would like to extend my thanks to the Occupational Therapists who are part of the Sport for Confidence group. They collected participant feedback and spearheaded this commendable project.
“Colchester City Council is committed to improving the health and wellbeing of our residents, and the installation of the pool lift aligns perfectly with this mission, which also complements Leisure World's rich swimming heritage.”
The funding for the Poolpod at Leisure World has been provided by Colchester City Council and Active Essex. This initiative is part of the Sport England Local Delivery Pilot (LDP), an ongoing program from 2018 to 2025 that aims to test new health and wellbeing projects, including Street Tag, Park Play, and Essex Pedal Power. The LDP complements the efforts of the NHS in encouraging healthy and active lifestyles, with the expectation of reducing the prevalence of long-term conditions, such as cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Moreover, physical activity has been widely recognized for its positive impact on mental health.
Leisure World expects this investment to have a positive impact on community participation, particularly among Colchester's disabled population. By promoting a healthy lifestyle and fostering a rewarding experience, this new addition aims to enhance the wellbeing of some of the city's most vulnerable residents.
Pictured above, L to R: Cllr Michelle Burrows; Scott King (Leisure World Lifeguard); Sarah Davison (Senior Occupational Therapist – Sport for Confidence); Reuben Rhode (Customer Manager, Sport & Leisure – Aquatics).
This new feature, called the Poolpod, was installed on Tuesday, 18 July, thanks to a generous investment of £30,878. The decision to invest in Poolpod was influenced by feedback provided by occupational therapists from Sport for Confidence, who use the facilities.
This state-of-the-art submersible platform provides a dignified and accessible means for people with limited mobility to enter the swimming pool. Users can operate the lift independently using an innovative wristband system, and the pool's staff and swimming instructors have also received training to offer assistance when needed.
Cllr Michelle Burrows, Portfolio Holder for Leisure, Culture, and Heritage, said: “This investment is a significant step in further expanding Leisure World's pool offerings and allowing more residents to benefit from swimming.
“I would like to extend my thanks to the Occupational Therapists who are part of the Sport for Confidence group. They collected participant feedback and spearheaded this commendable project.
“Colchester City Council is committed to improving the health and wellbeing of our residents, and the installation of the pool lift aligns perfectly with this mission, which also complements Leisure World's rich swimming heritage.”
The funding for the Poolpod at Leisure World has been provided by Colchester City Council and Active Essex. This initiative is part of the Sport England Local Delivery Pilot (LDP), an ongoing program from 2018 to 2025 that aims to test new health and wellbeing projects, including Street Tag, Park Play, and Essex Pedal Power. The LDP complements the efforts of the NHS in encouraging healthy and active lifestyles, with the expectation of reducing the prevalence of long-term conditions, such as cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Moreover, physical activity has been widely recognized for its positive impact on mental health.
Leisure World expects this investment to have a positive impact on community participation, particularly among Colchester's disabled population. By promoting a healthy lifestyle and fostering a rewarding experience, this new addition aims to enhance the wellbeing of some of the city's most vulnerable residents.
Pictured above, L to R: Cllr Michelle Burrows; Scott King (Leisure World Lifeguard); Sarah Davison (Senior Occupational Therapist – Sport for Confidence); Reuben Rhode (Customer Manager, Sport & Leisure – Aquatics).
Page last reviewed: 25 July 2023