“My youngest son has never been able to enjoy swimming with his brother, who has cerebral palsy and other complex needs. There are no facilities with warm, accessible pools for him. Gofal Seren has given us this opportunity, and we are truly grateful.”
-Parent
“My daughter has never been comfortable sat in her chair all day. Now, with weekly hydrotherapy, she gets relief from her chair, her muscles relax, and her mood has significantly improved.”
- Parent
“We have been able to meet new families who understand what life is like for parents and children with additional needs. We’ve even formed a group of families who share pool time together, and this has enabled our daughters to become friends and enjoy the social aspect.”
- Parent
“The staff are amazing. They make sure everyone feels included, no matter what their needs are. We can’t thank them enough.”
- Parent
“It’s not just about the pool. It’s about being with families who understand what life is like. I don’t feel judged here.”
- Carer
Amy's Story
“Amy is our wonderful daughter. She is blind and lives with cerebral palsy, hydrocephalus (fluid on the brain), epilepsy, and profound learning difficulties. She uses a wheelchair and needs round-the-clock support for all aspects of daily living.
Because of her disabilities and the lack of suitable local facilities it is extremely difficult for Amy to access activities that are readily available to able-bodied people. One thing she absolutely loves, however, is being in a hydrotherapy pool. The warm water helps ease her muscle tension, reduces stress, and allows her to truly relax. She becomes so calm that she can float unaided; on one occasion, she even drifted off to sleep while floating. These moments are priceless for us as a family, and we are so grateful that we can make these memories together.
Over the years, I have searched for hydrotherapy pools that Amy could use, but they are scarce, often too far away, or lack essential equipment such as hoists. At times, it has felt easier to find a hydrotherapy pool for a pet than for a disabled person. It has been wonderful that, as a family, we have been able to use the hydrotherapy pool at Ysgol Pen Coch through Gofal Seren, but sessions are limited due to high demand.
In 2025, I genuinely cannot believe that our area still lacks a purpose built hydrotherapy facility that would allow disabled children and adults to enjoy quality time with their families. The physical and mental health benefits are truly profound.”
