The Link Centre’s 'Aquatics for Health' programme has won the 'Health Impact Award' at Swim England’s National Awards 2025.
Steve Beere, GLL's Regional Health Manager for The South West with the winner's trophy
The annual Swim England awards, which were held on Saturday 29 November in Birmingham, celebrate the individuals, groups and organisations for their outstanding contributions throughout the past 12 months.
At the event, GLL triumphed over sector operators Everyone Active and Parkwood Leisure. Its impactful programme is designed to support local residents to manage long-term health conditions through a range of water-based activities.
In addition to swimming, Swindon's Link Centre operates the Healthwise 'exercise on prescription' programme in partnership with NHS and GPs. The scheme supports 212 Swindon individuals to improve their health and wellbeing via regular supported exercise and goal monitoring.
Sarah Colbourne says Healthwise gym classes have helped her overcome debilitating health issues that have blighted it for the last thirteen years. The forty-two-year-old from Swindon, lives with chronic bowel disease and fibromyalgia. The conditions meant she was regularly bed bound, significantly overweight, miserable and in great pain. Seven months in, the senior ophthalmic consultant is nearly five stone lighter, stronger, has more stamina, less pain and feels she can achieve anything.
Sarah said: “I didn’t know what to expect and was very nervous at first. The workout is gentle and impactful and helps build a strong core, strengthens muscles and improves balance.
“Sometimes I find myself smiling when I’m doing the exercise, because it feels so good to ask my body to do something challenging, have it respond and actually succeed. The class itself is joyful, judgment free and supportive - we laugh so much.
“I’m so proud of what I’ve achieved. Thanks to Healthwise my body is no longer the enemy, and I feel like I’m in love with living again.”
Barnaby Rich, GLL's Partnership Manager for Swindon, said: “We’re incredibly proud that the Link Centre has won Swim England’s Health Impact Award.
"This national recognition reflects not only the dedication of our centre team but the life-changing impact programmes like our Healthwise programme is having across the Swindon community.
"Every week we see people gaining confidence, improving their wellbeing and discovering new possibilities for themselves. Stories like Sarah’s – of renewed strength, resilience and joy – remind us why this work matters.”
Find out more about Healthwise here: https://www.better.org.uk/what-we-offer/activities/healthwise
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