Just Dive Community Story

Just Dive In CIC is a non-profit organisation based in Paisley, Renfrewshire. We focus on making swimming, sensory sessions, water safety, and scuba diving accessible to all, including individuals with autism, ADHD, and other physical or mental health conditions. Our mission is to harness the therapeutic benefits of aquatic activities to improve overall well-being and foster community inclusion.

Founded with the vision of inclusivity, Just Dive In CIC offers a range of programs tailored to meet the diverse needs of our community. Our services include swimming lessons, sensory flotation sessions, water confidence programs, mermaid classes, and scuba diving courses. These activities are designed to build confidence, improve physical and mental health, and provide therapeutic benefits. We strive to ensure that everyone, regardless of their background or abilities, has the opportunity to experience the joys and benefits of aquatic activities.

“Participating in the sensory flotation sessions has been life-changing for me. It’s a safe space where I can relax and find peace, something that’s hard to find in my everyday life.” – Sarah, participant with ADHD.

Since receiving the first instalment of the Henry Duncan Grant, we have expanded our sensory sessions and introduced a new ladies-only swimming class. These initiatives have significantly increased participation, especially among women who previously felt uncomfortable in mixed-gender settings. Additionally, we launched a community outreach program to raise awareness about the benefits of water-based therapy for individuals with long-term conditions.

One of our most successful programs has been our autism-friendly scuba diving sessions. These sessions are tailored to meet the unique needs of individuals with autism, providing a structured and supportive environment where they can develop their skills and confidence underwater. Participants have shown remarkable progress, not only in their scuba abilities but also in their overall confidence and social interactions. For example, John, a young man with autism, has become a regular attendee. His mother shared, “John’s confidence has soared since he started the scuba program. He looks forward to each session and has made significant strides in his social skills.“

Our water confidence program is another highlight, designed to help individuals overcome their fear of water and develop essential swimming skills. This program has particularly benefited adults who missed learning to swim as children. We’ve seen incredible transformations, such as Emma, who overcame her lifelong fear of water and now enjoys swimming regularly with her family.

Additionally, our mermaid classes have been a hit, attracting participants of all ages who are looking for a fun and unique way to stay active. These classes not only teach swimming techniques but also promote body positivity and self-confidence. One of our participants, Lily, said, “The mermaid classes have been amazing. They’ve helped me embrace my body and feel more confident in and out of the water.”

The Henry Duncan Grant has been instrumental in enabling us to offer more specialised sessions and reach a wider audience. The funding has allowed us to invest in additional equipment and training, ensuring that our sessions are of the highest quality and accessible to all who need them. This support has been crucial in expanding our autism-friendly scuba diving program, water confidence sessions, and mermaid classes.

Looking ahead, we plan to expand our services by introducing a new program specifically for individuals with physical disabilities. This program will focus on adaptive swimming techniques and underwater therapy, providing a unique therapeutic experience. Additionally, we aim to establish partnerships with local healthcare providers to offer integrated care plans that include aquatic therapy as a key component. We are also exploring the possibility of expanding our autism-friendly scuba diving program to include advanced certifications, giving participants the opportunity to further their skills and potentially pursue careers in the diving industry.

With the support of the Henry Duncan Grant, Just Dive In CIC is making significant strides in promoting inclusivity and well-being through aquatic activities. We are excited about the future and look forward to continuing our mission to ensure everyone has the opportunity to experience the transformative power of water-based therapy.