The Swimming Teachers’ Association (STA) has produced a wellbeing and mindfulness activity booklet to help its members care for, and support children and young people.
The STA worked with a Chartered Counselling Psychologist, Dr Alexandra Barnett, to produce the 17-page resource, which was launched during Mental Health Awareness Week (May 10th to 16th).
It has been written principally for children but the authors say the activities can be adapted for adults learning to swim as well. It also comes with a Wellbeing Parent Pack so the skills can continue to be practised at home.
CARING
Included in the pack is an official STA wellbeing and mindfulness logo which swim schools can display to show customers they are committed to caring and supporting young learners’ wellbeing and mindfulness during lessons.
Zoe Cooper, STA’s Commercial Director, said: “Swimming is one of the most beneficial sporting activities for mental health and wellbeing, but it has been really hit hard by the pandemic.
“Millions of children have lost out on the opportunity to start or access their regular lessons over the last 12 months, and for many this will have affected their confidence and competence – and potential enjoyment of swimming moving forward.
“Luckily, children are very resilient, but we want to make sure that the transition back to swimming lessons is one that fills young learners with confidence.
“To this end, we recognise that swimming teachers will play a huge role in helping the wellbeing of young learners, and our new resources, written by Dr Barnett, have been developed to help give them the knowledge and the tools they need to be able to practise mindfulness, through play and fun activities in lessons.”
Dr Barnett explained why the new resources are important, and why promoting wellbeing and mindfulness is everyone’s responsibility.
COPING
“Wellbeing isn’t just about coping, surviving or being okay; it is about thriving, flourishing, and blossoming,” she said.
“Prior to the start of the pandemic, we were seeing rising levels of young people and children being diagnosed with mental health difficulties and record numbers of children were being referred to or seeking the support of mental health organisations.
“We still do not know the full impact the pandemic has had on children’s mental health and wellbeing, but early indicators suggest the effects have been profound.”
She added: “As with most things, prevention is better than cure, and that is why from a young age learning steps you can take to improve, support and help your mental health and wellbeing is so important.
“Mindfulness is a skill that is thought to be essential in supporting wellbeing, and there is a long list of documented benefits. The NHS’s five steps to mental wellbeing are connection with other people; being physically active; learning new skills; giving to others, and paying attention to the present moment (mindfulness).
“As you can see swimming lessons cover a lot of these NHS steps, and STA’s new mindfulness activities will enable teachers to provide a holistic approach to wellbeing at this most crucial time.”
