Mental Health Swims announces closure after six years of community impact

Mental Health Swims, the volunteer-led community that has supported thousands of people across the UK through inclusive, peer-led swimming meetups, has announced its closure due to a lack of sustainable funding

After six years of building safe, welcoming spaces for people to connect through outdoor swimming, the board of Mental Health Swims has made the incredibly difficult decision to close the organisation. This follows more than a year of extensive efforts to secure core funding, including applying for grants, developing partnerships, and exploring all viable options.

“Like many small non-profits, we’ve been navigating an increasingly tough funding landscape,” said Founder, Rachel Ashe.

“Grants are fewer and more competitive, and despite some promising opportunities, we were recently notified that a critical funding bid was unsuccessful. Without that support in place, we simply cannot continue.”

Mental Health Swims began as a single swim in 2019 and grew into a grassroots movement with over 100 swim locations led by trained volunteers. The organisation created inclusive spaces for people – many of whom live with mental health challenges – to find connection, acceptance, and the transformative power of cold water and community.

Rachel added: “This news will be upsetting for many. For some, Mental Health Swims has been a lifeline. And our swim hosts, whether they have joined us recently or have been with us for many years, the impact of their kindness and commitment has been extraordinary. We’re heartbroken to let it go, but we’re so proud of what we built together.”

The organisation has informed all volunteers, partners, and stakeholders, and is supporting them through the transition.

Rachel also said, “While we are closing the organisation, the values of Mental Health Swims will live on in the connections people made and the communities they created. We want to thank every swimmer, volunteer, and supporter who trusted us and stood with us. Your stories, your courage, and your commitment shaped this community.”

Mental Health Swims encourages anyone feeling unsettled or overwhelmed by the closure to reach out to mental health support services listed on their website. They also added that no swims supported by the Swansea-based community interest company will take place after 20 October 2025.