By Sarah Fahy
Almost a year ago, we invited people to join us by the sea in Salthill for something a little different, a chance to get outdoors, connect with themselves, with others, with nature, and if they fancied it, take a dip.
What started as a 12-month pilot has brought around 70 people together over the past year. Some arrived as experienced sea dippers, some took their first dip with us, and others came simply for the company and the chance to spend some time by the sea. Some came with friends, while others turned up on their own and found a friendly group waiting for them.
And that’s really what Dips for Health has become, not just about getting into the water, but about connection.
At the beginning of the pilot, 35 participants completed our wellbeing survey. While most already felt strongly connected to nature, only 51% said they felt cheerful and in good spirits, while 11% often felt isolated from others. These starting points help us understand the different reasons people might come along, and why creating opportunities for connection, both with nature and with other people, matters.
Over the past year, we’ve seen plenty of cold-water faces, lots of laughter and some great conversations. We’ve also seen people come back again and again. A participant recently told us, “I leave Dips for Health with more than a spring in my step, having found a great activity that keeps me grounded and connected to nature.”
This Friday, October 2nd, marks the final session of our 12-month pilot, but it’s not the end of Dips for Health. We’ll be continuing our sessions alongside the evaluation of the pilot, so there will be plenty more opportunities to join us.
Remember You don’t need to be a swimmer, you don’t need any experience, and you don’t need to come with anyone. You can dip your toe, go all in, or simply come along for the chat and sea air.
A project like this doesn’t happen alone. A huge thank you to our Dips for Health co-production group, whose ideas, experience and input helped shape the project from the beginning. We’re also incredibly grateful to Galway Sports Partnership, Swim Ireland, Water Safety Ireland and Social Prescribing through Galway City Partnership for their support. A special thank you to Aisling Lynch from Into The Blue Wellbeing, who first approached Mental Health Ireland with the idea for Dips for Health and helped bring the initiative to life.
It’s been a brilliant first year, and we’re looking forward to seeing where Dips for Health goes next. So, if you’ve been thinking about joining us, why not make this, World Mental Health month, the month you give it a go? We’ll see you on Crabpool beach in Galway!
To book your place on this month’s Dips for Health on Oct 2nd please visit: www.bit.ly/dipsforhealthoct
