Swim for Survivors, Swim for Yourself…#SwimforSolace
Join us this June for our very first swimming challenge! Swim throughout June to help us raise funds and awareness of male violence against women. Whether it’s in your local lido or the crisp British sea, get swimming to support women.
Research has shown that on average, a woman is assaulted 35 times before the police are called (LWA). That’s 35 too many. Domestic abuse is a cycle of behaviour and a cycle of violence. The repetition of events only makes it harder for someone to leave, get the help they need and the support they deserve. This June, you can help end this cycle.
Services like ours are vital to ensure long-lasting support is offered to ensure women don’t experience abuse again. For Solace, this means being able to provide accommodation to those fleeing their home, therapeutic services to help overcome years of trauma, support navigating their legal and housing options and advocating for local and national change through the laws that should protect all women and girls.
Choose Your Challenge
Swim 35 lengths
Swim 35 km
Swim for 35 minutes
Set up your JustGiving page
Simply select “Start Fundraising” from the Swim for Solace campaign and the funds will go directly to us…no tricky admin needed. Then create your fundraising page detailing your event, why you chose to raise money for us and any pictures/videos you have.
Swim for survivors, swim for yourself
This repeated experience of abuse and trauma has a significant impact on women and children’s mental health. This is why we also want to use this campaign to highlight the importance of swimming on mental wellbeing. If you have some fantastic shots of your favourite pool or you in your local lido, send it in to fundraising@solacewomensaid.org with a brief description of why you love swimming and how it’s helped you.
Check out these benefits of swimming
1. Releases feel good hormones
Like all exercise, swimming releases endorphins in your brain. These are the hormones that can help to increase positivity and bring about a sense of wellbeing and happiness. Studies have also shown that swimming can help relieve chronic stress.
2. Boosts brain health
One study has found that just being in water increases the blood flow to the brain.
3. Outdoor swimming benefits
A study has found that cold water swimming may also be an effective treatment for depression.
4. Soothes your mind and reduces anxiety
It’s thought that swimming is a particularly good way to relax your body, soothe your mind and reduce anxiety. Research has shown that people who live closer to the coast have also reported higher levels of good health and wellbeing.
5. The calming effect of the colour blue
‘Biophilia’ is a term that means love of nature. It refers to our inbuilt desire to be near and connected with nature. This phenomenon may explain why we feel positive and happy when we’re by the sea or near water which is sometimes referred to a ‘Blue Mind’,
6. Helps regulate your breathing
This ties into the calming factors associated with swimming. Regulating your breathing can help reduce the sense of panic and relax your heart.
7. Low impact exercise
This low impact routine makes swimming incredibly accessible to people of all abilities.
Join in the wonderful sensation of a calming swim whilst making a life-changing difference to survivors. For any questions please contact our team at fundraising@solacewomensaid.org.
Do you work in a local lido or leisure centre? Download our Swim for Solace leaflet below and put it on display, helping us spread the word about our challenge.