Reclaim the Sea, which works to help refugees see the sea as a safe and joyful space through swimming and surfing lessons, expanded to North Somerset with an event at Weston-super-Mare's Marine Lake.
The Plymouth-based charity partnered with Refugees Welcome North Somerset (RWNS) to extend its mission into the county.
It originated in 2022 and has since run four programmes, allowing refugees to reclaim the sea from a place of possible trauma.
Rebecca Van Der Veer, director of Reclaim the Sea, said: "The impact on participants is beautiful to witness.
"Volunteers report it has been ‘the highlight of the summer’.
"We look forward to the future in Somerset and elsewhere.
"Until safe routes are available, the number of individuals with negative sea experiences will increase.
"We’ll persist in advocating for secure and legal routes."
RWNS offers crucial guidance, housing assistance, and immigration issue support, while also promoting opportunities to engage in community fun, learn abilities, and enjoy movement.
Its unique understanding of the needs of the Weston-based refugee and asylum-seeking community made it the perfect collaborator for Reclaim the Sea.
Eight women supported locally by RWNS were invited to the four-week swimming programme, where Bristol and Weston volunteers helped them develop confidence and vital aquatic survival skills in alignment with the Reclaim the Sea’s Plymouth Programme.
The sea and coastal areas often conjure up positive memories of youthful fun.
However, for some individuals, particularly refugees and asylum seekers, it can be a symbol associated with trauma, loss, and fear.
These contrasts can be attributed to harrowing journeys to the UK, traumatic experiences on migrant boats, or an absence of sea access in their native countries.
The weekly Friday swimming lessons have enabled these women to redefine their relationship with water as a joyful place, with some learning essential survival techniques for the first time.
Participants who initially felt apprehensive now attend sessions with evident enthusiasm, learning to float, breathe, and conduct stroke techniques in the shallows of the Marine Lake.
Rebecca Wetten, the programme lead and swimming instructor, said: "I’ve been following Reclaim the Sea’s amazing work for a while now, so jumped at the opportunity to set up a branch in Bristol and Weston.
"To say life as a refugee or asylum-seeker in the UK is difficult is an understatement.
"Reclaim the Sea is the perfect antithesis to this; positive, community-led action that offers refugees & asylum seekers a chance to find joy & safety in the sea.
"For refugees & asylum seekers, learning to swim or overcoming water-based trauma can be truly life-changing."
With the conclusion of the programme, the team, participants, and volunteers hope to secure further funding to continue providing this transformative experience for more individuals in the community.
To support the cause, please visit the crowdfunding page at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/reclaim-the-sea-rebecca or contact the team at team@reclaimthesea.org.uk.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here