More than 400 children from Wythenshawe can now take to the water this summer after receiving free swimming kits at a community wellbeing event.
A renewed partnership between regional charity The Brick, award-winning leisure operator Everyone Active and Amazon’s Manchester office saw the event take place on Thursday 4 July at Wythenshawe Forum, bringing families together for a fun-filled day focused on health, fitness and inclusion.
The distribution of free swim kits is to ensure all children can take part in Everyone Active’s free summer swimming programme at Forum Leisure, which is managed by the leisure operator in partnership with Wythenshawe Forum Trust.
The kits – which included including towels, swimwear and swim bags – were generously donated and packed by Amazon’s Manchester office and were handed out to hundreds of excited young people, many of whom will now be able to access swimming sessions for the first time.
Phil Bowers, contract manager at Everyone Active, said: “This event was all about removing barriers and giving children the opportunity to enjoy swimming, no matter their background. Thanks to the generosity of our partners and this initiative, 400 children are now equipped to access the pool at our facility and keep active during the school holidays.
“We were thrilled to be a part of such a meaningful day and see the community come together to help one another in such a positive way.”
Keely Dalfen, CEO of The Brick, said: “This initiative is about inclusion, dignity, and wellbeing. With support from Amazon and Everyone Active, we’re removing one more barrier that prevents children from participating in healthy summer activities. This is the power of the Multibank model – local delivery, regional impact.”
The event marks the start of a 12-month partnership between Everyone Active and The Brick to co-deliver community wellbeing events that reduce social isolation and promote physical and emotional health for families across the region. The Brick supports these events by providing essential non-food items such as baby products, nappies, clothing and toys.
The campaign also demonstrates the regional reach of The Brick’s Multibank project, which leverages business partnerships to provide practical support to families experiencing poverty.
To find out more about Everyone Active’s summer swimming programme at Wythenshawe Forum, visit Wythenshawe Forum | Gym, Swim & Fitness Classes | Everyone Active