More than 1,000 people have taken part in cold water dips at West Kirby beach in the two years since a peer support group was formed.
Mental Health Swims (MHS) West Kirby was created in October 2022 as part of the national Mental Health Swims initiative – an award-winning, mental health peer support community. MHS host free, safe and inclusive swim meet ups nationwide at over 140 locations in the UK and beyond, and are supported by 350 trained volunteers, including three in West Kirby.
In the two years since it was set up, MHS West Kirby has put on 100 dips and safely hosted around 1,000 sea enthusiasts who have tried out the benefits of dipping in the River Dee as a group, from the beach at Cubbins Green.
Each swim in the River Dee is hosted by three local West Kirby volunteers and the group have been supported by Lateral cafe on Banks Road, year-round, where dippers go to warm up and chat, after every swim.
Jo Robotham, who set up the Mental Health Swims West Kirby group last year, said: “It’s been another great year of swims and dips and we’ve seen more people than ever come together to share the water at West Kirby beach, travelling from as far as Wales and Ireland.
“We’re so lucky to have such a beautiful beach to swim from, so to share it in this way, and see the joy and positive connections that are made in and out of the sea, is a huge privilege.”
Dips take place twice per month. Places are free but must be booked to ensure safety and all event details are published on @mhs_westkirby on Instagram.