What is Water 4 Wellbeing?
Water 4 Wellbeing is a community interest company (CIC) dedicated to improving mental health and wellbeing through open-water dipping and cold-water immersion experiences. We offer a safe, supportive space for individuals to experience the benefits of cold water in a natural setting.
Cold-water immersion can boost mood, promote mindfulness, reduce stress and improve mental wellbeing. Being in nature, focusing on breathing, and experiencing the natural endorphin release are just a few benefits that create a lasting sense of calm and positivity.
Our sessions are open to everyone, from complete beginners to experienced swimmers. We welcome individuals looking to improve their wellbeing, mental health, reduce stress, or simply experience something new.
No swimming experience is necessary! Our sessions are primarily about mindful dipping rather than swimming. For those who may feel less confident, we provide supportive, guided sessions to ease you into the water at your own pace.
All you need to bring is a swimsuit or swimwear you feel comfortable in. We provide everything else, to ensure a comfortable and safe experience. We can provide a modesty tent on request for more private, lakeside changing facilities.
You can start with a series of six to eight supported dips, or simply book one dip at a time. Before each session, you will be provided with all the equipment needed, as we talk you through each part of the session. Your guide will be by your side to support you as you enter the water, to help you to relax and breathe safely during the session and to ensure your safety after the dip. We provide hot water bottles, warm drinks and healthy snacks to ensure a gradual, comfortable return to normal body temperature so that the after-drop does not take away from the lasting sense of calm and wellbeing.
Yes, we offer one-to-one / one-to-two sessions and small group sessions for those who prefer a more private experience. Group sizes are kept small to ensure a personal and relaxed environment.
Our experienced team closely monitors each participant to prevent overexposure to cold water. We limit time in the water based on comfort level and provide hot drinks, and post-dip care to manage after-drop, a natural body response.
After completing your initial sessions with Water 4 Wellbeing, we’ll help you transition to an existing community group where you can continue dipping safely with others who share your interest. We also offer a Water 4 Wellbeing kit for those referred through social prescribing, so you have all the gear you need.
Water 4 Wellbeing can organise one off events for special occasions. These could be at dawn, dusk, in the day or even in the dark with fire pits afterwards. We can take you to a range of Lakeland lakes, or to local mountain tarns or even quarries with 5-star water quality. To discuss ideas further, please contact us via the contact page