Small Change, Big Impact!
It’s not every day you come across something that costs just 10p and delivers so much joy, connection, and lasting impact — but that’s exactly what’s happening at Barrow Park Leisure Centre. Thanks to the generous support of Westmorland and Furness Council, we were able to bring this to life for the community. They fully funded the swimming event, making it a truly special day for everyone involved. In a week we were able to help 1000 families in getting active by swimming during the holiday and enjoy a free lunch.
The introduction of 10p swim sessions for children, paired with free lunches, has been a huge hit with local families — and it’s making waves in all the right ways. What started as a small initiative to encourage more kids into the pool has grown into something much bigger: a movement that’s strengthening our community, promoting healthy habits, and creating moments that kids (and parents!) will remember for years to come.
More Than Just a Swim
For many families in Barrow and surrounding areas, the cost of activities can add up quickly — especially during school holidays. By offering swim sessions for just 10p, along with a free, nutritious lunch, the Leisure Centre has removed huge barriers, making healthy activity and access to food available to all — regardless of background or income. During this one week of 10p swims we were able to give hundreds of children the joy of staying active through swimming and lunch for the day!
“With three kids, it gets expensive — this makes it doable for us,” one parent shared.
“Normally swimming is too pricey for us, so this has been amazing.”
The impact has been clear: more children learning to swim, enjoying active time with friends, and staying fuelled with proper meals during the day. During the holidays, the pool is filled with laughter, confidence-building, and a sense of community.
Fuelling Bodies, Lifting Spirits
It’s not just about swimming — it’s about making sure children are looked after, mind and body. The inclusion of free lunches ensures that no child must leave the centre hungry, and for some, it’s a crucial part of their day. The lunch bag includes a sandwich, fruit yogurt, drink and a packet of crisps.
“It’s such a help knowing they’re getting a healthy lunch too,” said one parent.
These small but powerful additions have made a massive difference, especially for working families and those on tighter budgets.
Building Confidence, One Swim at a Time
Swimming itself is one of the best full-body exercises for children. It builds cardiovascular fitness, strength, and coordination — but also offers emotional and mental health benefits. Many parents have noticed how these sessions have boosted their children’s confidence.
“She’s much more confident in the water now — used to be a bit nervous but she’s improved so much,” one mum told us.
“It’s helped her stay active, especially during the holidays!”
And it’s a great reminder: health and wellbeing don’t have to come with a high price tag — just a supportive community, a safe space, and a splash of encouragement.
A Welcoming Space for All
These sessions have become more than just an activity. They’re a place for families to connect with others, relax, and enjoy a shared space. Many parents say they heard about the swims through friends or local Facebook groups — showing just how powerful word-of-mouth support can be.
“We love that it’s a relaxed, welcoming environment — it doesn’t feel intimidating at all.”
“A friend told me about it on Facebook, and I thought why not give it a go?”
Looking Ahead
There’s no doubt that the 10p swims — with the bonus of free lunches — have been a huge success. But more than that, they’ve shown what’s possible when financial barriers are broken down and everyone is given the chance to take part, feel supported, and thrive.
With continued support from the local community — and hopefully more sessions being added during busy periods — the future looks bright (and splashy) for families in Barrow and surrounding areas.
Thank you again to Westmorland and Furness Council for making this happen! Keep an eye out this May for even more 10p swim sessions and free lunches!